The radiative zone is a layer within a star, such as the Sun, located between the core and the convective zone. In this region, energy produced in the core is transferred outward primarily through radiation. Photons, or light particles, are absorbed and re-emitted by particles in the radiative zone, a process that can take thousands to millions of years. This zone is characterized by high temperatures and densities, allowing for efficient energy transfer. Unlike the convective zone above it, where energy is transported by the movement of plasma, the radiative zone relies on the slow diffusion of radiation to move energy toward the star's surface.