Question

why is earths outer core hotter than earths oceanic crust?
earths oceanic crust is denser than earths outer core is.
earths oceanic crust has lava flowing from the mantle.
earths outer core has a composition of solid iron and nickel.
earths outer core is deeper within earth than oceanic crust is.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: The outer core (liquid iron - nickel) is denser than the oceanic crust (mostly basalt), so this is incorrect.
2. Analyze Option 2: Lava flowing from the mantle to the oceanic crust doesn't make the crust hotter than the outer core. The outer core is much deeper and hotter due to pressure and radioactive decay, so this is incorrect.
3. Analyze Option 3: The outer core is liquid (not solid) iron and nickel, so this statement is wrong.
4. Analyze Option 4: As we go deeper into the Earth, temperature and pressure increase. The outer core is much deeper inside the Earth than the oceanic crust. The heat from the inner core and radioactive decay in the Earth's interior makes the outer core hotter. So this option is correct.

Answer:

D. Earth's outer core is deeper within Earth than oceanic crust is.