Question

Which of these statements best explains why the inner core of Earth does not melt although it has very high temperatures?

Answer 1

Answer:

The core is in a cube structure, extreme temperatures make the atoms to move so quickly that there is no alteration of the structure hence, no melting.

Explanation:

In the case of extremely high temperatures, atoms change position but still keep their original shape.

Further explanation:

In the case of high temperatures, the atoms making up a cube move rapidly and change position, the change of position is the melting.

Answer 2

Answer:

Option D, The different layers of Earth exert pressure to keep the inner core solid.

Explanation:

Due to extreme high pressure at the core of the earth, the iron does not convert into liquid form. According to a research conducted by  KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the iron acquires the body-centred cubic structure when it is at normal pressure but when the pressure is extremely high the iron acquires the shape of hexagonal with 12 points which is a close packed structure. Due to this close pack structure, iron remains solid in the inner core of earth.

Hence, option D is correct