Question

based on your readings, the core of the earth is classified into two, the outer core and the inner core. cite some reasons why the outer is liquid and the inner core is solid.

Explanation:

The Earth's core is divided into an outer core (liquid) and an inner core (solid). The outer core is liquid because the pressure there is lower than in the inner core, allowing the iron - nickel alloy to melt despite high temperatures. The inner core is solid due to extremely high pressure, which compresses the iron - nickel alloy into a solid state, even though the temperature is also very high. The pressure - temperature relationship in the Earth's interior is the key factor here. At the conditions of the outer core (lower pressure), the melting point of the iron - nickel alloy is reached by the high temperature, resulting in a liquid state. In the inner core, the higher pressure raises the melting point above the temperature of the material, keeping it solid.

Answer:

The outer core is liquid because the pressure is not high enough to prevent the iron - nickel alloy from melting (temperature is above the melting point at that pressure). The inner core is solid because the extremely high pressure raises the melting point of the iron - nickel alloy above the temperature present in the inner core.