Which of the following is not a characteristic of the 11-year sunspot cycle?
A)The sunspot cycle is very steady,so that each 11-year cycle is nearly identical to every other 11-year cycle.
B)The likelihood of seeing solar prominences or solar flares is higher when sunspots are more common and lower when they are less common.
C)The Sun's entire magnetic field flip-flops at the end of each cycle (at solar minimum).
D)The number of sunspots on the Sun at any one time gradually rises and falls,with an average of 11 years between the times when sunspots are most numerous.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement that "the sunspot cycle is very steady, so that each 11-year cycle is nearly identical to every other 11-year cycle" is not entirely accurate. While the average length of the cycle is approximately 11 years, there is significant variation from cycle to cycle, with some lasting as few as 8 years and others lasting as long as 14 years. Therefore, the 11-year sunspot cycle is not always "very steady" or "nearly identical to every other 11-year cycle."

Which of the Following Is Not a Characteristic of the 11-Year