Chapter 18, Problem 1AC

The core of Earth is composed of

a. iron and nickel.

b. silicon and oxygen.

c. iron and lead.

d. nickel and copper.

To determine

From the following options, the Earth’s core is composed of:

a. iron and nickel.

b. silicon and oxygen.

c. iron and lead.

d. nickel and copper.

Answer to Problem 1AC

Solution:

Option (a) is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The earth’s structure is not uniform in nature rather it is made of various layers of different thickness. The innermost part of the earth is called core as it contributes to about $\text{1/3}$ mass of the earth.

Explanation:

Reason for correct option:

As it is not possible to take a sample of the core, the deduction is based on the seismic analysis of the way. The earthquake waves are refracted by the core and the observations of the elements are present in the solar system.

The seismic analysis leads to the determination that the core is mostly made of the iron-nickel alloy.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Reasons for incorrect option:

Option (b) is incorrect as it does not match the seismological data received from the earthquakes and the elements found in the meteorites.

Option (c) is incorrect as it does not match the seismological data received from the earthquakes and the elements found in the meteorites.

Option (d) is incorrect as it does not match the seismological data received from the earthquakes and the elements found in the meteorites.

Conclusion:

The core is comprised of iron and nickel as based by the seismic data of the earthquake waves and the materials received from the meteorites.