Which layer is a layer of molten iron and nickel that surrounds the inner core of Earth?

Which layer is a layer of molten iron and nickel that surrounds the inner core of Earth?

• A. Inner Core
• B. Mantle
• C. Outer Core
• D. Crust

Answer: (C)

The layer in question is the molten iron-nickel region that surrounds the inner core. This is the outer core. The outer core is liquid, made primarily of iron and nickel, and its motion of molten metal drives Earth's magnetic field. By contrast, the inner core is a solid sphere of iron-nickel, kept solid by immense pressures. The mantle and crust are rocky, silicate layers above the core, not molten metal. So the description of a molten iron-nickel layer surrounding the inner core identifies the outer core.

The layer in question is the molten iron-nickel region that surrounds the inner core. This is the outer core. The outer core is liquid, made primarily of iron and nickel, and its motion of molten metal drives Earth's magnetic field. By contrast, the inner core is a solid sphere of iron-nickel, kept solid by immense pressures. The mantle and crust are rocky, silicate layers above the core, not molten metal. So the description of a molten iron-nickel layer surrounding the inner core identifies the outer core.