Final answer:
The solar cycle is strongly related to the Sun's axial rotation, specifically the phenomenon of differential rotation that occurs at different latitudes. This differential rotation, along with convection, causes the Sun's magnetic fields to twist and distort, resulting in the solar cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The solar cycle is strongly related to the Sun's axial rotation. The Sun rotates at different rates at different latitudes, a phenomenon known as differential rotation. This differential rotation, along with convection just below the solar surface, twists and distorts the Sun's magnetic fields. These magnetic fields grow and decay approximately every 11 years, causing the solar cycle.