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What do geologists look at for proof that Earth's core contains mostly iron?A.Other planetsB.CometsC.The moonD.The Sun

Question

What do geologists look at for proof that Earth's core contains mostly iron?

A. Other planets
B. Comets
C. The moon
D. The Sun

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Solution

Geologists look at several pieces of evidence to support the theory that Earth's core contains mostly iron.

  1. Seismic Waves: The speed and behavior of seismic waves (waves of energy that travel through Earth's layers) suggest that the core is made of much denser material than the crust or mantle. Iron is one of the densest elements that is abundant in the universe, making it a likely candidate.

  2. Earth's Magnetic Field: The Earth has a strong magnetic field which is best explained by a core of molten iron. The movement of this iron creates electric currents, which in turn create the magnetic field.

  3. Composition of Meteorites: Many meteorites have a composition similar to that expected in the Earth's core. These meteorites are thought to be remnants of the early solar system, and their composition gives us clues about what the Earth's core might be made of. Many of these meteorites contain large amounts of iron.

  4. Earth's Density: The overall density of the Earth is higher than that of rocks we find at the surface. Iron is much denser than most elements found in the crust, suggesting that there must be a large amount of iron in the core to account for this difference.

So, the answer to your question is not directly listed among the options. Geologists don't look at other planets, comets, the moon, or the Sun for proof that Earth's core contains mostly iron. They look at evidence on and from Earth itself.

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