To What Does Planetary Differentiation Refer

question 171

Multiple Choice

To what does planetary differentiation refer?

• A) large-scale convection of molten rock in the mantle of a planet, which on Earth causes continental drift
• B) sinking of heavier elements toward the center of a planet and the floating of lighter elements toward the surface
• C) circulation of iron in the core of a planet, resulting in the generation of a magnetic field
• D) formation of rocky planets in the hotter, inner solar system and gas giants in the colder, outer regions

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Definitions:

Mixture

A physical combination of two or more substances that retain their own identities and properties and can be separated by physical means.

Compound

A substance made up of two or more different elements chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio.

Alloy

A mixture of metals or a mixture of a metal and another element, achieved through melting and mixing.

Chromatography

A method used to separate components of a mixture based on the differential affinities of compounds to a mobile phase and a stationary phase.