Author Question: Briefly explain how astronomers use the Zeeman effect to measure magnetic fields on the Sun. What ... (Read 63 times)

tiffannnnyyyyyy

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 512
Briefly explain how astronomers use the Zeeman effect to measure magnetic fields on the Sun.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

In the context of the Babcock model, briefly explain the reversal of the Sun's magnetic field from cycle to cycle.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



1_Step_At_ATime

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 342
Answer to Question 1

Astronomers can measure magnetic fields on the Sun using the Zeeman effect. When an atom is in a magnetic field, the electron energy levels are altered, and the atom is able to absorb photons with a greater variety of wavelengths than the same atom not in a magnetic field.

Answer to Question 2

The Babcock model explains the reversal of the Sun's magnetic field from cycle to cycle. As the magnetic field becomes tangled, adjacent regions of the Sun's surface are dominated by magnetic fields that point in different directions. After about 11 years of tangling, the field becomes so complex that adjacent regions of the surface are forced to change their magnetic field directions to align with neighboring regions. The entire field quickly rearranges itself into a simpler pattern, and differential rotation begins winding it up to start a new cycle. The newly organized field is reversed, and the next sunspot cycle begins with magnetic north replaced by magnetic south. Consequently, the complete magnetic cycle is 22 years long, whereas the sunspot cycle is 11 years long.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question


 

Did you know?

Most childhood vaccines are 90–99% effective in preventing disease. Side effects are rarely serious.

Did you know?

It is important to read food labels and choose foods with low cholesterol and saturated trans fat. You should limit saturated fat to no higher than 6% of daily calories.

Did you know?

Though methadone is often used to treat dependency on other opioids, the drug itself can be abused. Crushing or snorting methadone can achieve the opiate "rush" desired by addicts. Improper use such as these can lead to a dangerous dependency on methadone. This drug now accounts for nearly one-third of opioid-related deaths.

Did you know?

Nitroglycerin is used to alleviate various heart-related conditions, and it is also the chief component of dynamite (but mixed in a solid clay base to stabilize it).

Did you know?

Though “Krazy Glue” or “Super Glue” has the ability to seal small wounds, it is not recommended for this purpose since it contains many substances that should not enter the body through the skin, and may be harmful.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library