What is the definition of outer core for kids?
The outer core is the outer layer of the core that is made of liquid iron and nickel. Since it is a liquid, the outer core can spin, and it does. This spinning causes the entire planet to be magnetic (think of a refrigerator magnet).
What is outer core in Earth?
Earth's outer core is a fluid layer about 2,260 km (1,400 mi) thick, composed of mostly iron and nickel that lies above Earth's solid inner core and below its mantle.
Where is the outer core?
The Earth's outer core is the second innermost layer, located between the inner core and the mantle. It contains mostly iron and nickel, which- due to lower pressure than existing at the inner core- are in the liquid form.
What is outer core and inner core?
Both the inner and outer cores consist primarily of iron and nickel. They're extremely hot, with temperatures ranging from 7200–9000℉ (4000–5000℃). The inner core is under intense pressure, which keeps it solid despite high temperatures. Outer Core: The outer core, which is liquid, is about 1300 miles (2092 km) thick.
What is inner core in Science?
Earth's inner core is the innermost geologic layer of planet Earth. It is primarily a solid ball with a radius of about 1,220 km (760 mi), which is about 20% of Earth's radius or 70% of the Moon's radius.
What is meant by inner core?
Inner-core definition (planetology) The solid material found in the centre of some planets at extremely high temperature and pressure, distinct from the liquid outer core. (geology) The innermost part of the Earth, believed to be made of a nickel-iron alloy.
What is the outer core quizlet?
What is the outer core? A thick layer composed of nickel and iron that lies above the earth's inner core and below it's mantle.
What are 3 facts about the outer core?
Planet Earth
- Temperature. The Outer Core is about 4000-5000 degrees Celsius. The Inner Core is so hot it causes all the metal in the Outer Core to melt into liquid magma.
- Thickness. The Outer Core is about 2200 km thick. …
- Magnetism. Because the outer core moves around the inner core, Earth's magnetism is created.
How is the outer core?
Outer Core The outer core, about 2,200 kilometers (1,367 miles) thick, is mostly composed of liquid iron and nickel. The NiFe alloy of the outer core is very hot, between 4,500° and 5,500° Celsius (8,132° and 9,932° Fahrenheit).
What are Earth’s three main layers?
The size of the Earth — about 12,750 kilometers (km) in diameter-was known by the ancient Greeks, but it was not until the turn of the 20th century that scientists determined that our planet is made up of three main layers: crust, mantle, and core. This layered structure can be compared to that of a boiled egg.
What is the outer core made of?
liquid iron and nickel Outer Core The outer core, about 2,200 kilometers (1,367 miles) thick, is mostly composed of liquid iron and nickel. The NiFe alloy of the outer core is very hot, between 4,500° and 5,500° Celsius (8,132° and 9,932° Fahrenheit).
What is the difference between the outer core and inner core quizlet?
What is the principal difference between the inner core and outer core? The inner core is liquid while the outer core is solid.
What are 5 facts about the outer core?
Planet Earth
- Temperature. The Outer Core is about 4000-5000 degrees Celsius. The Inner Core is so hot it causes all the metal in the Outer Core to melt into liquid magma.
- Thickness. The Outer Core is about 2200 km thick. …
- Magnetism. Because the outer core moves around the inner core, Earth's magnetism is created.
What is the characteristic of outer core?
The layer surrounding the inner core. A liquid layer of iron and nickel.
What is unique about the outer core?
The outer core is the third layer of the Earth. It is the only liquid layer, and is mainly made up of the metals iron and nickel, as well as small amounts of other substances. The outer core is responsible for Earth's magnetic field.
Why is outer core liquid?
So the Earth's core is liquid because it's hot enough to melt iron, but only in places where the pressure is low enough. As the Earth continues to age and cool, more and more of the core becomes solid, and when it does, the Earth shrinks a little bit!
How is outer core formed?
It's believed that the core of the Earth formed early on in our planet's history, when the entire planet was made of molten rock and metal. Since it was a liquid, the heaviest elements, like iron, nickel, gold and platinum sunk down into the center, leaving the less dense elements on top.