Question

How can different parts of the sun rotate at different speeds

Answer 1

Because unlike Earth and other solid objects, the entire Sun doesn't rotate at the same rate. Because the Sun is not solid, but is instead a giant ball of gas and plasma, different parts of the Sun spin at different rates. The interior of the Sun does not spin the same way as does its surface.

Answer 2

The sun is made up of several different layers, each with its own unique properties. These layers are the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona. Each layer rotates at different speeds due to the different physical properties of each layer. The photosphere, which is the visible surface of the sun, rotates the fastest, at a rate of about 25 days per rotation. The chromosphere, which is the layer just above the photosphere, rotates at a slower rate of about 33 days per rotation. Finally, the corona, which is the outermost layer of the sun, rotates at the slowest rate of about 36 days per rotation.