Question

Why is the iron core of the Earth solid?

Answer 1

many materials can be a solid at a higher temperature if the pressure is also higher. So, even though it is hotter in the inner core, the pressure in the core is also higher, and you can have solid iron-nickel instead of liquid.

Answer 2

get out the P-V-T surface diagram for Iron

Answer 3

what class do you have to explain for

Answer 4

science, this is my last question, after I snd it to the teacher this will determine if I pass science or not :/

Answer 5

like a general earth science classs... just talk about how boiling points of pure substances can vary dramatically depending on the other conditions of the system.

For instance, if you are boiling water on a mountain, it may be boiling at 74deg, the pressure there is less, higher pressure like boiling the water at sea level, will increase the boiling point to near 100deg...

pressure sort of presses the molecules together tighter and makes it more difficult for any molecule to gain enough kinetic energy to break free from the intermolecular force holding it together.

Answer 6

boiling is the point where the molecules have enough energy to break free from the forces holding them all together and go into the vapor phase

Answer 7

something like that, what kinds of things you need to say

Answer 8

idk its an essay worth 4 points

Answer 9

The phase diagram for Iron would help , moving along a vertical pressure line, you will see how change in pressure will result in different phases even without the change in another property like temperature

Answer 10

the temperature of the core is probably above the normal boiling point of iron in standard pressure, so you could think the core is liquid maybe, It is really solid at these higher temperatures because of the massive pressure the entire earth is exerting on the system , thus raising the boiling point and under those same temperatures the core would still be solid, not boiling yet