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Which statement accurately describes the relationship between Earth's innermost layers regarding their volume and mass?

A) Both layers collectively make up more than half of Earth's volume and mass.
B) Although they constitute one-sixth of Earth's volume, they account for more than one-third of its mass due to their denser composition.
C) They encompass over one-third of Earth's volume and less than one-sixth of its mass due to their lower density.
D) These layers make up one-third of Earth's volume and more than half of its mass because they are less dense than the other layers.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The mantle is the largest layer in terms of volume, while the core contributes more mass due to its denser composition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between Earth's innermost layers regarding their volume and mass can be described as follows:

  • The inner core, which is the solid innermost layer, is mainly composed of iron and nickel alloys.
  • The outer core is a liquid layer surrounding the inner core and is responsible for generating Earth's magnetic field.
  • The mantle, the largest layer, surrounds the core and consists of solid rock that can deform and flow slowly.
  • The crust, the thin outer layer of the Earth, varies in thickness, composition, and density.

In terms of volume, the mantle is the largest layer, encompassing a significant portion of Earth's volume. However, the core contributes more mass to Earth due to its denser composition.

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