Author Question: Briefly explain how astronomers use the Zeeman effect to measure magnetic fields on the Sun. What ... (Read 82 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?

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. As of yet, there is no cure. Everyone is at risk, and there may be no warning signs. It is six to eight times more common in African Americans than in whites. The best and most effective way to detect glaucoma is to receive a dilated eye examination.

Did you know?

Colchicine is a highly poisonous alkaloid originally extracted from a type of saffron plant that is used mainly to treat gout.

Did you know?

Cytomegalovirus affects nearly the same amount of newborns every year as Down syndrome.

Did you know?

Not getting enough sleep can greatly weaken the immune system. Lack of sleep makes you more likely to catch a cold, or more difficult to fight off an infection.

Did you know?

IgA antibodies protect body surfaces exposed to outside foreign substances. IgG antibodies are found in all body fluids. IgM antibodies are the first type of antibody made in response to an infection. IgE antibody levels are often high in people with allergies. IgD antibodies are found in tissues lining the abdomen and chest.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library