Final answer:
Magmatic differentiation leads to the division of magma into different phases due to gravitation, resulting in a layered arrangement of materials within the Earth, with denser materials forming the core and lighter forming the crust.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of magmatic differentiation involving the division of magma into two or more liquid phases, where these phases may physically separate due to processes such as gravity, is a critical concept in understanding igneous rock formation and the internal structuring of planets. This phenomenon occurs when a magma body cools, and minerals start to crystallize; those minerals may have different densities, which could lead to their separation. Heavier crystals might sink, accumulating at the bottom of the magma chamber, while lighter materials rise, resulting in a stratification of different mineral compositions in the igneous body. This is part of the reason Earth and other terrestrial planets have differentiated layers, with denser metals forming the core, while lighter silicates form the crust.
Differentiation occurs when a planet's interior is hot enough to become partially or fully molten, allowing materials to migrate according to their densities. The Earth's density variation between its bulk (5.5 g/cm³) and surface materials (3 g/cm³) exemplifies this process. The creation of layers within Earth's structure, like the crust, mantle, and core, is a testament to magmatic differentiation and the subsequent gravitational sorting of elements and minerals of different densities.