UNIT NINE: Matter and Motion in the Universe Chapter 26 The Solar System

Chapter 27 Stars
Chapter 28 Exploring the Universe

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Stars

27.1 The Sun 27.2 Stars 27.3 The Life Cycle of Stars

Chapter 27.1 Learning Goals

Explore the properties of the Sun. Identify unique zones of the Sun and describe what happens in each area. Discuss applications of solar energy.

27.1 The Sun

The Sun is is a giant, hot ball of gas held together by gravity. The Sun is mediumsized compared with other stars in the universe. Approximately 1 million
planet Earths could fit inside the Sun!

27.1 The Sun

Gravity squeezes the density of a star so tightly in the core that the electrons are stripped away and the bare nuclei of atoms almost touch each other. Nuclear fusion occurs.

27.1 The Sun

In the process, huge amounts of energy are given off.
Because of its mass, the Suns gravitational force is strong enough to hold the entire solar system in orbit.

27.1 Anatomy of the sun

The apparent surface of the Sun that we can see from a distance is called the photosphere, which means sphere of light.
Just above it is the chromosphere.

This is a very hot layer of plasma, a highenergy state of matter.

27.1 Anatomy of the sun

The corona is the outermost layer of the suns atmosphere, extending millions of kilometers beyond the sun. Sunspots are areas of gas that are cooler than the gases around them.

27.1 Features of the sun

Occasionally, large loops of gas called prominences can be seen jumping up from groups of sunspots.

27.1 Features of the sun

Solar wind is an electrically charged mixture of protons and electrons that cause magnetic storms. Auroras, called the northern lights, occur when layers of our atmosphere are energized by solar winds.

27.1 Solar energy

Solar energy is a term that refers to radiant energy from the Sun.

The radiant energy of the Sun reaches Earth in the form of electromagnetic waves.
We can use solar energy to heat buildings and generate electricity.

27.1 Solar energy

Buildings that use passive solar heating are designed to trap sunlight. Glass traps warm air, causing a greenhouse effect.

27.1 Solar energy

Photovoltaic (or PV) cells are devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity. Solar cells are found on calculators, watches, or certain outdoor light fixtures.

27.1 More about the Suns energy

In 1905, Albert Einstein proposed that matter can be converted into energy.
His famous equation shows how huge amounts of energy can be created from a smaller mass.

27.1 More about the Suns energy

The amount of this energy from the Sun that reaches the outer edge of Earths atmosphere is known as the solar constant.
The accepted value is 1,386 watts per square meter (W/m2), or about thirteen 100-watt light bulbs per square meter of surface.

Optional* Investigation 27C

Efficiency of a Solar Cell

Key Question:
How can we use energy from the sun to generate electricity?