Which of the following is closest to the estimated temperature of the Sun's core?

• A. 1.0 × 10^9 K
• B. 2.7 × 10^6 K
• C. 5.8 × 10^3 K
• D. 1.5 × 10^7 K

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the temperature of the Sun's core is a well-studied value in astrophysics and is typically estimated based on nuclear fusion processes occurring there.
2. Recall that the Sun's surface temperature is about 5,800 K, which is much cooler than its core, so eliminate options that are close to the surface temperature (like 5.8 × 10^3 K).
3. Recognize that the core temperature must be high enough to sustain nuclear fusion, which requires temperatures on the order of millions of kelvin, so consider options in the millions (like 2.7 × 10^6 K and 1.5 × 10^7 K).
4. Compare the given options to known scientific estimates: the Sun's core temperature is approximately 15 million kelvin (1.5 × 10^7 K), which is consistent with the energy needed for fusion reactions.
5. Conclude that among the options, 1.5 × 10^7 K is the closest to the accepted estimated temperature of the Sun's core.