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Compare the interior composition of terrestrial planets.

a) Mars > Earth > Venus > Mercury
b) Earth > Venus > Mars > Mercury
c) Mercury > Venus > Earth > Mars
d) Venus > Earth > Mars > Mercury

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Mercury has the greatest proportion of metals, followed by Venus, Earth, and Mars, in terms of their interior compositions and resultant densities.

Step-by-step explanation:

When comparing the interior composition of terrestrial planets, we should consider their densities, which reflect their respective proportions of metals and silicates. Based on the available data, Mercury has the greatest proportion of metals, which are denser, making it the planet with the highest density among the terrestrial planets. The other three—Venus, Earth, and Mars—have roughly similar bulk compositions, with about one third of their mass consisting of iron-nickel or iron-sulfur combinations, and two thirds made up of silicates. However, their densities differ slightly because of different sizes and internal structures.

Considering the given information, the correct sequence from the options provided would be Mercury > Venus > Earth > Mars, because Mercury has the highest proportion of metal, thereby the highest density, followed by Venus, Earth, and then Mars. This sequence reflects not only their densities but also hints at their metallic composition.

User Brian Grinstead
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