Why is the inner core of the earth solid, while the outer core is liquid? A. The pressure is greater in the inner core. B. The temperature of the outer core is higher. C. The inner core is made mostly of iron, and the outer core is made of rock. D. The earth's magnetic field turns the inner core to liquid.My answer was C, am I right?

Question

danjs · Answer

As you move further into the center of the earth, the temperature and the pressure increase. Although it is hotter in the center compared to the outer center, the pressure is great enough to keep the material in a solid phase. If you look at a phase diagram for iron, the pressure and temp of the inner core would fall into the solid region, whereas the pressure and temperature combination of the outer core, would be in the liquid phase region. Also, this video is good to watch for this question... https://www.khanacademy.org/science/cosmology-and-astronomy/earth-history-topic/plate-techtonics/v/compositional-and-mechanical-layers-of-the-earth#!

anonymous · Answer

Okay, I got it thanks :D