In noting that our world is "differentiated," we mean that:
A)the density of its materials decreases as you go downward toward the core.
B)the Earth has evolved in a different pattern than any other planet.
C)the iron and nickel core is denser than the silicate mantle and crust.
D)radioactive heating in the core is at a slower pace than when the Earth was new.
E)the Earth's magnetic field is different now in polarity than it was 700,000 years ago.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Differentiation refers to the process by which the Earth's materials became sorted according to density during its early formation. The iron and nickel core is denser than the silicate mantle and crust, which is a result of differentiation. "Differentiation" refers to the process by which heavier elements sink to the center of a planet or other body, creating distinct layers with different densities. In the case of Earth, the iron and nickel core is denser than the silicate mantle and crust, which is a result of differentiation.

In Noting That Our World Is "Differentiated," We Mean That