Question

Read the given passage and answer the following questions.

The innermost layer of the Earth is called the Core. It is the densest of all the layers with the density of 13 g/cu cm. It is mainly made up of the two heavy metals, namely, Iron (Ferrous) and Nickel, so it is also known as the NIFE (Ni + Fe). Its diameter is 3,500 km. and it has the temperature of about 5,000°C on an average as the temperature goes on increasing towards the centre. It is actually the same temperature as recorded on the surface of the Sun. The core is divided into two layers, the Outer Core and the Inner Core. The Outer core is in molten state due to very high temperature and the Inner core is in solid state as it gets compressed to solid state due to extremely high pressure exerted by the weight of the overlying layers of the Earth. The core is also called the Barysphere.

1. In the Inner core, the effect of hight temperature surpasses the effect of high pressure. True or False?
2. Do you think the study of the core of the earth helps to trace the history of origin of the earth?
3. Why is the density the highest in the core as compared to the crust or mantle?

Answer 1

1. False. In the inner core, although the temperature is very high (about 5,000°C), the pressure is even higher, which compresses the material into a solid state. Thus, the high pressure overcomes the high temperature effect, keeping the inner core solid while the outer core is molten due to high temperature but lower pressure.
2. Yes. Studying the core of the earth helps understand the planet’s formation and evolution because the core contains heavy metals like iron and nickel that can provide clues about the earth’s early differentiation and origin. Additionally, meteorites, which share a similar composition with the earth’s interior, act as indirect sources of information about earth’s formation history.
3. The density is highest in the core because it is composed mainly of heavy metals, especially iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni), collectively called NIFE. These metals have a much higher density compared to the silicate rocks making up the crust and mantle. Also, the immense pressure from the overlying layers compresses the core material, increasing its density further. The density of the core is about 13 g/cm³, much greater than that of the crust and mantle.