Convective zone

Definition

The convective zone is a layer within the Sun where energy is transported primarily through convection. Hot plasma rises, cools as it nears the surface, and then sinks back down to be reheated and rise again.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The convective zone extends from about 70% of the Sun's radius to its surface.
2. Energy transfer in this zone occurs through the movement of heated gas rather than radiation.
3. Convection in this zone creates granules and supergranules visible on the Sun's surface.
4. The temperature in the convective zone ranges from approximately 2 million K at its base to about 5,700 K at the surface.
5. The motions within the convective zone contribute to solar phenomena such as sunspots and solar flares.

Review Questions

• What is the primary mechanism of energy transport in the Sun's convective zone?
• How does the temperature change from the base to the surface of the convective zone?
• What solar phenomena are influenced by movements within the convective zone?

Related terms

Radiative Zone:

A layer of the Sun where energy is transported outward by radiation rather than convection.

Photosphere:

The visible surface layer of the Sun where light is emitted.

Granules:

Small, cellular patterns on the photosphere created by convection currents in the underlying convective zone.