The Sun's inner structure and a comparison of stars
Method
Study Fig 12.2, which shows the Sun's core where energy is produced by nuclear fusion, the radiative zone through which that energy spreads outward by radiation, and the convective zone through which energy is carried by convection.
Study the table below.
Using the table, discuss the questions given.
Star
Distance from the solar system
Size (radius)
Mass
Colour
Surface temperature
Age
Sun
-
695,700 km
2×10³⁰ kg
Yellow
5778 K
4.6 billion years
Sirius A
8.6 light years
1.711 times the Sun's radius
2.063 times the Sun's mass
Bluish white
9940 K
24.2 million years
Proxima Centauri
4.2 light years
0.1542 times the Sun's radius
0.122 times the Sun's mass
Faint red
3042 K
4.8 billion years
Discussion
How many years ago was the Sun formed?
Do the stars of the universe differ from the Sun in size, temperature, colour and age?
The Sun has a heat producing core separate from its other layers. What might the structure of other stars be like? And does the Sun's core go on producing heat continuously forever?
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