Which layer of Earth is BEST characterized as a layer of soft, hot rock?
A. Outer core
B. Inner core
C. Mantle
D. Crust
C. Mantle
The layer of Earth that is best characterized as a layer of soft, hot rock is the C. Mantle.
The layer of Earth that is best characterized as a layer of soft, hot rock is the mantle. To understand why, let's break it down and compare it to the other layers: the outer core, inner core, and crust.
The outer core is primarily composed of liquid iron and nickel. It is extremely hot, with temperatures reaching up to 5,400 degrees Celsius (9,800 degrees Fahrenheit). However, it is not soft but rather in a liquid state.
The inner core, on the other hand, is solid and consists mainly of iron and nickel. It is under immense pressure, with temperatures estimated to be around 5,500 to 6,000 degrees Celsius (9,932 to 10,832 degrees Fahrenheit). While it is incredibly hot, it is not characterized as soft.
The crust, which is the outermost layer of Earth, is relatively cool and relatively solid. It is composed of solid rocks, such as granite and basalt. While there are areas where the crust can experience high temperatures due to volcanic activity, it is not generally characterized as soft or extremely hot.
That leaves us with the mantle. The mantle is located between the crust and the outer core. It is composed of solid rock but is in a partially molten state known as the asthenosphere. The asthenosphere is soft and flexible, exhibiting properties similar to those of plasticine or silly putty. The mantle is also extremely hot, with temperatures ranging from 500 to 900 degrees Celsius (932 to 1,652 degrees Fahrenheit).
Therefore, based on these characteristics, we can conclude that the correct answer is C. Mantle.