Chapter 1 Lesson 2 The Geosphere

Which layer of earth is made of liquid iron and nickle?

• mantle

• outer core

• crust

• inner core

Answer explanation

The outer core is the layer of the Earth that is composed of liquid iron and nickel. This layer lies beneath the mantle and surrounds the solid inner core, playing a crucial role in generating the Earth's magnetic field.

Which layer is semi-solid and allows heat to transfer through convection currents?

• outer core

• crust

• inner core

• mantle

Answer explanation

The mantle is a semi-solid layer of the Earth that allows heat to transfer through convection currents, facilitating the movement of tectonic plates. The outer core is liquid, while the inner core is solid, making the mantle the correct choice.

What happens to temperature and density as you move from crust to the core (as you go deeper)?

• Temperature decrease and density increase

• Temperature increases and density decreases

• Temperature and density both increase

• Temperature and density both decrease

Answer explanation

As you move from the crust to the core, both temperature and density increase due to the immense pressure and heat generated by the Earth's interior. Thus, the correct answer is that temperature and density both increase.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Which statement best describes the INNER CORE?

• It is the hottest, densest, and made of solid iron

• It has molten rocks and the crust floats over it

• It is the thickest and mostly hot semi-solid rocks

• It consists of liquid iron and brittle cold rocks

Answer explanation

The INNER CORE is characterized as the hottest and densest layer of the Earth, composed primarily of solid iron. This distinguishes it from other layers, which may contain molten materials or are semi-solid.

Which layer is the thickest?

• crust

• inner core

• mantle

• outer core

Answer explanation

The mantle is the thickest layer of the Earth, extending about 2,900 kilometers deep, while the crust is much thinner and the outer and inner cores are denser but not as thick as the mantle.

Which is made up the crust and the uppermost layer of the mantle?

• Exosphere

• Lithosphere

• Mesosphere

• Asthenosphere

Answer explanation

The lithosphere is composed of the Earth's crust and the uppermost layer of the mantle. It is rigid and plays a crucial role in tectonic activity, unlike the other layers mentioned.

Which is the partially melted part of the mantle on which the plates float?

• Lithosphere

• Exosphere

• Biosphere

• Asthenosphere

Answer explanation

The asthenosphere is the partially melted layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere, allowing tectonic plates to float and move. It is crucial for plate tectonics, unlike the other options listed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The tendency of a mineral to break to form smooth, flat surfaces is called

• cleavage

• luster

• fracture

• streak

Answer explanation

The tendency of a mineral to break along smooth, flat surfaces is known as cleavage. This property is distinct from fracture, which refers to uneven breakage. Luster and streak describe other characteristics of minerals.

When sediment is compacted and cemented it will create

• igneous rock

• magma

• sedimentary rock

• metamorphic rock

Answer explanation

When sediment is compacted and cemented, it forms sedimentary rock. This process involves the accumulation and lithification of sediments, distinguishing it from igneous and metamorphic rocks, which form through different processes.

The mineral's powder which shows its true color is called its

• streak

• luster

• hardness

• fracture

Answer explanation

The mineral's streak is the color of its powder when rubbed on a surface, revealing its true color. This is distinct from luster, hardness, and fracture, which describe other properties of minerals.