Astronomy Practice Exam

What region of the Sun is characterized by tightly packed gas transferring energy mainly through electromagnetic radiation?

1. Core

2. Radiation Zone

3. Convection Zone

4. Chromosphere

The correct answer is: Radiation Zone

The region of the Sun characterized by tightly packed gas that transfers energy primarily through electromagnetic radiation is indeed the Radiation Zone. This area lies between the core and the convection zone. In the Radiation Zone, energy produced in the core moves outward primarily in the form of photons, which are absorbed and re-emitted by particles in the dense plasma. This process results in very slow energy transport, with photons taking thousands to millions of years to pass through this region before they reach the outer layers of the Sun. The core of the Sun, while it produces energy through nuclear fusion, does not primarily transfer energy through electromagnetic radiation to the same extent as the Radiation Zone does. In the Convection Zone, on the other hand, energy transfer occurs mainly through convection, with hot gas rising and cooler gas sinking, a different method than electromagnetic radiation. The Chromosphere, being an outer layer of the Sun's atmosphere, also does not primarily transfer energy in this manner. Therefore, the characteristics of the Radiation Zone make it unique in its role in energy transfer within the Sun.