Chapter 25, Problem 1TE

What three sources of heat contributed to the melting and density segregation of early Earth?

To determine

The three sources of heat for melting and density segregation of early Earth.

Answer to Problem 1TE

The three sources are impact heating, gravitational contraction heating and radioactive decay heating.

Explanation of Solution

The impact collision, gravity and radioactive decay made our planet softened. On Earth, the heat from the particle collision and radioactive elements produced the melting of interior. This allowed the denser materials to sink to the Earth’s center (due to gravitational forces) and the lighter materials to float upwards. Density and pressure increase as the depth inside the Earth increases.

This segregation based on density leads to the formation of layers of Earth.

1. Core - there is an inner core and outer core.
2. Mantle - thickest layer within the earth
3. Crust - lower in density.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the three sources are impact heating, gravitational contraction heating and radioactive decay heating.