NATS 1740 Chapter Notes - Chapter 14: Convection Zone, Windstream Holdings, Radiation

• School: York University
• Department: Natural Science
• Course: NATS 1740
• Professor: Tatiana Paulin

Document Summary

Gravitational contraction- gravity causes an object to contract changing gravitational potential energy to thermal energy. Sun converts mass into energy through nuclear fusion. Gravitational equilibrium- pressure pushing inwards is the same as pressure pushing outwards. Energy balance- balance between the rate at which fusion releases energy in the core and the surface radiates energy into space. In the sun"s core the pressure keep the gas hot and dense enough to sustain nuclear fusion. Sunspots- parts of the sun"s surface that appear darker. Sun"s radius is more than 100x earths. Power- the rate at which energy is used or released. Composed of h and he and 2% heavier elements. Solar wind-stream of charged particles blown out from the sun. Corona- upper layer of atmosphere where x rays are emitted(1 million k) Chromosphere- middle layer of atmosphere where most uv light is emitted(10 000k) Photosphere- the visible surface of the sun(6000k)