Question

In the development of a terrestrial planet, the stage of ____ when dense material settled to the core and less dense to the outer parts.

Multiple Choice:

A. Differentiation
B. Cratering
C. Glaciation
D. Accretion
E. Flooding

Answer 1

The development stage when dense material moves to a planet's core while lighter material forms the crust is called differentiation. It occurs when a planet's interior melts, allowing materials to be sorted by density.

Step-by-step explanation:

The stage in the development of a terrestrial planet when dense material settles to the core and less dense material is distributed to the outer parts is known as differentiation. This process depends on the melting of the planet's interior, which allows heavier metals to sink and form a dense core, while lighter silicates rise toward the surface to create the crust. Over time, as the planet cools, the differentiated layers become a permanent feature of its structure.

In the development of a terrestrial planet, the stage of differentiation occurs when dense material settles to the core and less dense material rises to the outer parts. This process is a result of gravity helping separate a planet's interior into layers of different compositions and densities. The heavier metals sink to form the core, while the lighter minerals rise to form the crust.