Mars has a mean density less than the mean density of the Earth's mantle. How is it possible
that Mars could have a metallic core given this fact? Hint: No calculations are required.
Compare the densities used in part a) with the density of mantle rocks like basalt at one
terrestrial atmospheric pressure.
A metallic core implies having much mass, right? Then the mantle of mars must be really really light for mars to be less dense than even earth's mantle. But how do i show it by comparing density of basalt? As mentioned in the question, i have already determined densities of earth's mantle and core (and also earth's mean density) in another part of the question.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
12 YEARS AGO???!!!!
BRO IS PAST COLLAGE NOW
IKR
bot i need help
bot
To understand how Mars could have a metallic core despite its lower mean density compared to the Earth's mantle, let's consider the composition and density of the Earth's mantle rocks, such as basalt.
Basalt is a common rock found in the Earth's mantle, and its density can be used as a reference point for comparison. The density of basalt at one terrestrial atmospheric pressure is approximately 2.8 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³).
Now, let's compare this density with the mean density of Mars, which is known to be less than the mean density of the Earth's mantle.
If Mars has a mean density lower than the mantle, it means that the average density of Mars as a whole is lower than the average density of the Earth's mantle, which includes rocks like basalt.
However, this does not necessarily mean that every component of Mars, including its metallic core, has a lower density. The metallic core is thought to be primarily composed of iron and nickel, which are much denser than typical mantle rocks like basalt.
So, even though Mars has a lower mean density than the Earth's mantle, it is still possible for Mars to have a metallic core with higher density. This is because the overall mean density of Mars is influenced by its less dense crust and mantle, which contain lighter materials, while the metallic core contributes significantly to the planet's mass and density.
Therefore, by comparing the density of basalt (a common mantle rock) with the mean densities of Mars and the Earth's mantle, we can understand how Mars can have a metallic core despite its lower mean density.