Question

name: _______ date: _____ block: _______

directions: complete all 10 questions. use the diagrams and examples throughout the worksheet to support your answers.

1. multiple choice which statement best explains why the sun shines?

a. the sun burns oxygen like a campfire.
b. nuclear fusion in the suns core changes hydrogen into helium and releases energy.
c. the sun reflects light from other stars.
d. the sun is made mostly of liquid lava.

1. written response in 2 to 3 sentences, explain what nuclear fusion is and why it is important to life on earth.

nuclear fusion is the process where atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy. it is important to life on earth because it profitable photosynthesis and maintaining a habitable temperature
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1. multiple choice which layer of the sun is the main location where fusion occurs?

a. corona
b. photosphere
c. core
d. chromosphere

Explanation:

Question 1: Mechanism of Solar Energy

The Sun shines due to nuclear fusion in its core, where hydrogen nuclei fuse under extreme temperature and pressure to form helium, releasing massive amounts of energy. This rules out chemical burning (A), reflection (C), or liquid lava (D).

Question 2: Definition and Importance of Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is the process where light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a vast amount of energy. This process is vital to life on Earth because the energy released travels to Earth as sunlight, providing the heat and light necessary to maintain habitable temperatures and drive photosynthesis.

Question 3: Location of Solar Fusion

Nuclear fusion requires the extreme temperatures and pressures found only at the very center of the Sun. Therefore, the main location where fusion occurs is the core.

Answer:

Question 1

• (A) The Sun burns oxygen like a campfire.
• (B) Nuclear fusion in the Sun's core changes hydrogen into helium and releases energy. (Correct answer)
• (C) The Sun reflects light from other stars.
• (D) The Sun is made mostly of liquid lava.

Question 2

Nuclear fusion is the process where light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a vast amount of energy. It is important to life on Earth because the energy released travels to Earth as sunlight, which maintains habitable temperatures and powers photosynthesis.

Question 3

• (A) Corona
• (B) Photosphere
• (C) Core (Correct answer)
• (D) Chromosphere