Question

why is earths outer core hotter than earths oceanic crust?
○ earths oceanic crust is denser than earths outer core is.
○ earths oceanic crust has lava flowing from the mantle.
○ earths outer core has a composition of solid iron and nickel.
○ earths outer core is deeper within earth than oceanic crust is.

Explanation:

Temperature increases with depth inside Earth (geothermal gradient). The outer core is far deeper than the oceanic crust, so it experiences much higher temperatures from internal heat sources like radioactive decay and residual heat from Earth's formation. The other options are incorrect: the outer core is denser than oceanic crust, lava flows to form crust (not make it cooler), and the outer core is liquid iron-nickel, not solid.

Answer:

D. Earth's outer core is deeper within Earth than oceanic crust is.