UCSB Science Line sqtest

1 of 1

http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=5

Why is the inner core solid even though it is hotter than the
outer core?
Answer 1:
The inner core is indeed hotter than the outer core. However, the
PRESSURE on the inner core is greater than the pressure on the
outer core and the melting point of iron, the main constituent of the
core, INCREASES as the pressure goes up. So, because the
pressure effect overrides the temperature effect, the inner core is
solidified.
We also can speculate that the inner core began to freeze (solidify)
about 1 or two billion years ago. the inner core makes up only 1%
of the mass of the Earth; the outer core makes up about 32% of the
mass of the Earth.
Answer 2:
The inner core is solid because it is made of very dense, or heavy,
materials - like iron and nickel.Even though it is very hot, these
materials don't "melt" very easily, so they stay solid.

Answer 3:
It turns out that many materials can be a solid at a higher
temperature if the pressure is also higher. So, even though it is
hotter in the inner core, the pressure in the core is also higher, and
you can have solid iron-nickel instead of liquid.

Click Here to return to the search form.

2/11/2014 12:42 PM