The Density of Mercury Is About the Same as That

question 5

Multiple Choice

The density of Mercury is about the same as that of Earth, but Mercury contains a larger proportion of iron. How is this possible?

• A) The iron in Mercury's core is accompanied by a very low-density crust. The average density is thus comparable to the density of Earth.
• B) The inner core of Mercury is hollow, thus reducing the overall density much below that of iron.
• C) Mercury has only 1/18 Earth's mass. Thus, it must be composed of heavier materials (like iron) in order to match Earth's density.
• D) Earth contains, proportionally, a smaller volume of iron, but because of Earth's greater mass, Earth's iron has been compressed to a higher density than the iron on Mercury.

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