The Sun: A Diagram illustrating the structure of the Sun with labeled layers and a description of its composition and function.

Let’s go through each question one by one, using the diagram and labels to find the answers.

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Question 1: What is the difference between a flare and a prominence?

Looking at the diagram:
- Flares are described as “bursts of energy that erupt from the sun’s surface.”
- Prominences are “large fires of energy that rise high above the sun’s surface.”

So, flares are sudden bursts (like explosions), while prominences are big loops or arcs of fire that stick out high above the surface — they’re more like giant flames rising up.

✔ Answer: Flares are sudden bursts of energy; prominences are large, looping fires that rise high above the sun’s surface.

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Question 2: What part of the sun produces the most amount of heat and light?

The diagram says:
> “At the center of the sun is the core. Almost all of the sun’s energy comes from the core…”

That means the core is where the heat and light are made.

✔ Answer: The core

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Question 3: What two parts of the sun’s outer layer are only visible from Earth during a solar eclipse?

Look at the outer layers labeled in the diagram:
- Chromosphere: “a visible area, but it can be seen only during a solar eclipse”
- Corona: “can be seen only during a solar eclipse”

Both say they’re only visible during an eclipse!

✔ Answer: Chromosphere and Corona

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Question 4: Why are sunspots darker than surrounding areas?

The label for sunspots says:
> “Sunspots are areas on the sun’s surface that are cooler than their surroundings.”

Cooler = less bright = looks darker.

✔ Answer: Because they are cooler than the areas around them.

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Question 5: What part of the sun do we see from Earth?

The diagram shows the outermost visible layer is called the photosphere, and it says:
> “Photosphere – this is the ‘surface’ of the sun, but it is not solid. It is about 600 km thick.”

Also, since we see the sun as a glowing ball, that glow comes from the photosphere — it’s what our eyes actually see.

✔ Answer: Photosphere

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Final Answer:
1. Flares are sudden bursts of energy; prominences are large, looping fires that rise high above the sun’s surface.
2. The core
3. Chromosphere and Corona
4. Because they are cooler than the areas around them.
5. Photosphere