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Chapter 10: Problem 12

Why is Earth's core molten?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The Earth's core is molten due to the high temperatures (4,000-6,000°C) and intense pressure at its depth, along with its composition of iron, nickel, sulfur, and oxygen. The molten outer core generates Earth's magnetic field through its movement, which creates electric currents and subsequently, the magnetic field that protects our planet from harmful solar winds and cosmic radiation.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Earth's Structure

The Earth is made up of several layers, including the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. The core is the deepest part, consisting of two layers: the outer core, which is liquid, and the inner core, which is solid. To understand why Earth's core is molten, we need to focus on the outer core.
02

Temperature and Pressure Conditions

The Earth's core is extremely hot, with temperatures ranging from 4,000-6,000 degrees Celsius (7,200-10,800 degrees Fahrenheit). This high temperature is a result of heat generated by radioactive decay, tidal forces, and gravitational energy from Earth's formation. The pressure also increases with depth, as the weight of the overlying layers creates intense pressure on the core. This combination of high temperatures and pressures contributes to the core's molten state.
03

Chemical Composition

The Earth's core is primarily composed of iron and nickel, with some lighter elements like sulfur and oxygen. Due to the temperature and pressure conditions, these elements are in a molten state. The outer core's liquid composition creates the necessary conditions for the Earth's magnetic field.
04

Earth's Magnetic Field

The molten outer core is responsible for generating Earth's magnetic field. As the semi-liquid iron and nickel move around in the outer core, they generate electric currents, which in turn produce a magnetic field. This magnetic field protects the Earth from harmful solar wind and cosmic radiation.
05

Conclusion

In summary, the Earth's core is molten due to the high temperatures, intense pressure, and chemical composition of the outer core. This molten state allows the Earth's magnetic field to be generated, which is essential for protecting our planet from harmful solar winds and cosmic radiation.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A sample of radioactive material is obtained from a very old rock. A plot \(\ln A\) verses \(t\) yields a slope value of \(-10^{-9} \mathrm{s}^{-1}\) (see Figure \(10.10(\mathrm{b})\) ). What is the half-life of this material?

The \(\beta^{-}\) particles emitted in the decay of \(^{3} \mathrm{H}\) (tritium) interact with matter to create light in a glowin-the-dark exit sign. At the time of manufacture, such a sign contains \(15.0 \mathrm{Ci}\) of \(^{3} \mathrm{H}\). (a) What is the mass of the tritium? (b) What is its activity 5.00 y after manufacture?

The electrical power output of a large nuclear reactor facility is 900 MW. It has a 35.0\% efficiency in converting nuclear power to electrical power. (a) What is the thermal nuclear power output in megawatts? (b) How many \(^{235}\) U nuclei fission each second, assuming the average fission produces \(200 \mathrm{MeV}\) ? (c) What mass of \(^{235} \mathrm{U}\) is fissioned in 1 year of full-power operation?

Write the complete decay equation in the complete \(_{Z}^{A} \mathrm{X}_{N}\) notation for the beta \(\left(\beta^{-}\right)\) decay of \(^{3} \mathrm{H}\) (tritium), a manufactured isotope of hydrogen used in some digital watch displays, and manufactured primarily for use in hydrogen bombs.

For the reaction, \(n+^{3} \mathrm{He} \rightarrow^{4} \mathrm{He}+\gamma,\) find the amount of energy transfers to \(^{4} \mathrm{He}\) and \(\gamma\) (on the right side of the equation). Assume the reactants are initially at rest. (Hint: Use conservation of momentum principle.)
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