Question

The time between successive sunspot peaks is about _____ years. (Round your answer to the nearest whole number.)

a) 10
b) 11
c) 22
d) 33

Answer 1

The time between successive sunspot peaks is approximately 11 years, which is the length of the average sunspot cycle. These cycles can range from 9 to 14 years and are linked to the Sun's magnetic activity.The correct option is b.

Step-by-step explanation:

The time between successive sunspot peaks is about 11 years. This is known as the average sunspot cycle, which can range from 9 to 14 years in length. The cycle is characterized by periods of sunspot maximum, where more than 100 spots can often be seen, and periods of sunspot minimum, where sometimes no spots are visible. The sunspot cycle reflects the magnetic activity cycle on the Sun, which actually lasts for 22 years due to polarity reversals from one cycle to the next.