Question

Sunspots ______.

a. Are cooler than the surrounding surface of the Sun.

b. Are often associated with solar flares and prominences.

c. All of these are true.

d. Are regions of strong magnetic fields.

e. Become more or less common on an approximate 11 year cycle.

Answer 1

c. Sunspots are cooler areas with strong magnetic fields on the Sun, often associated with solar activity such as solar flares, and occur more frequently in an 11-year cycle. Thus, all listed statements about sunspots are true.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sunspots are fascinating features of the Sun that have several key characteristics:

• Sunspots are cooler regions on the Sun's photosphere, making them appear darker than their surroundings.
• They are often found in areas of strong magnetic fields, which can suppress the normal flow of hot gases from the Sun's interior, leading to a cooler surface area.
• Sunspots can be associated with increased solar activity, including solar flares and prominences.
• They vary on an approximate 11-year cycle, known as the sunspot cycle, which is connected to the Sun's magnetic activity cycle.

Considering these facts, the correct answer to the student's question is: c. All of these are true.