The process that transfers energy from the Sun's core to its surface primarily involves radiation and convection.
-
Radiation: In the Sun's core, nuclear fusion generates energy that is primarily transferred outward through radiation. Photons created in the core are absorbed and re-emitted countless times as they travel through the radiative zone (which surrounds the core) towards the outer layers of the Sun.
-
Convection: Once the energy reaches the outer layers of the Sun, particularly in the convective zone, the transfer of energy occurs through convection. In this zone, hotter plasma rises to the surface, cools down, and then sinks back down, creating convective currents that help transport energy to the surface.
So, both radiation and convection play key roles in moving energy from the Sun's core to its surface. The option you choose should reflect this dual process. If you are looking for a single answer, "radiation" is correct for the inner regions, while "convection" would be more applicable for the outer layers.