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Inside the Sun

The Sun is a huge glowing sphere made mostly of hydrogen and helium. It has no solid surface, and its energy comes from nuclear reactions in an extremely hot core.

In the picture

  1. Outer glowing layer: hot gas with no solid surface
  2. Brilliant core: extremely hot center where energy is produced
  3. Swirling currents: hydrogen and helium gas moving in the outer layers
  4. Tiny Earth: size comparison for the Sun

Examples

  • A campfire: the center is very hot and the outer flames are cooler.
  • A hot-air balloon: gas is held together without a solid shell.

Quiz: Inside the Sun (Age 14)

  1. What are the two main gases that make up most of the Sun?

    • Oxygen and nitrogen
    • Hydrogen and helium
    • Rock and metal
  2. Where is the Sun’s energy produced?

    • On its solid surface
    • In its extremely hot core
    • In the swirling currents around it
  3. Which statement about the Sun’s surface is correct?

    • It is covered with liquid water
    • It has no solid surface
    • It has a thin rocky crust

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.

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Astronomy, Age 14