Occurs on Earth in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs. Large unstable elements like uranium are broken apart to make smaller more stable elements like lead.

Nuclear Fission

Hydrogen (H+) atoms combine to form Helium (He) which releases a large amount of energy. Stars make heavier elements by further combining atoms.

Nuclear Fusion

Energy is produced through fusion

WOW!

So, if the sun stopped shinning, how long would it take for us to know?

Parts of the sun

Inner layers

• Core - Energy is produced from fusion.

• Radiation zone - Tightly packed gas where electromagnetic radiation travels.

• Convection zone - Hot gasses move to the outer portion, cold gasses fall back toward core.

Parts of the sun

Atmosphere

• Photosphere - gives off visible light

• Chromosphere - reddish layer only seen during an eclipse

• Corona - outer portion - gives off solar wind (electrically charged particles)

Parts of the sun

Other terms

• Sun spot - cooler portion of the photosphere

• Prominence - loop that link sunspot areas

• Solar flare - explosions of energy that increase the solar wind. Form when prominences connect.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

EM Waves can travel in a vacuum! Mechanical waves (sound waves) CANNOT!!!