Concept explainers
What is the evidence that Earth’s inner core is solid?
The evidence that Earth’s inner core is solid.
Answer to Problem 7RQ
When they reach about depth of the Earth, S-waves do not cross over but P-waves travel further and lose its speed with refraction. This happens due to the change in density.
Explanation of Solution
P-waves are fastest in the solids and also, they can travel through solids, liquids, and gaseous materials.
P-waves are generated from the epicentre and travel through the core of the Earth’s surface. These waves are the fastest in the inner core and suddenly slow down when they reach the boundary of the inner and outer core. In the outer core, P-waves refracts due to the change in density of the rocks present in the outer core.
S-waves cannot travel through liquids and thus they can travel only in the inner core of the Earth’s core. This gives the evidence that the Earth’s inner core is solid.
The core is made up of iron and thus the inner core is the solid iron inner core and outer core is the molten iron outer core.
Conclusion:
Therefore, when they reach about depth of the Earth, S-waves do not cross over but P-waves travel further and lose its speed with refraction. This happens due to the change in density.
Chapter 26 Solutions
Conceptual Physical Science Explorations
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
College Physics
The Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals (2nd Edition)
An Introduction to Thermal Physics
Modern Physics
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach, Vol. 1 (Chs 1-21) (4th Edition)
- College PhysicsPhysicsISBN:9781305952300Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris VuillePublisher:Cengage LearningUniversity Physics (14th Edition)PhysicsISBN:9780133969290Author:Hugh D. Young, Roger A. FreedmanPublisher:PEARSONIntroduction To Quantum MechanicsPhysicsISBN:9781107189638Author:Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.Publisher:Cambridge University Press
- Physics for Scientists and EngineersPhysicsISBN:9781337553278Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. JewettPublisher:Cengage LearningLecture- Tutorials for Introductory AstronomyPhysicsISBN:9780321820464Author:Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina BrissendenPublisher:Addison-WesleyCollege Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio...PhysicsISBN:9780134609034Author:Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart FieldPublisher:PEARSON