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Question
which statement best explains why earths outer core is in liquid form?
the iron - nickel alloy melts due to hot temperatures.
the outer core has a tarry consistency.
this region is less dense when compared to the mantle.
this region is under extreme pressure from the weight of other layers.
The outer core is composed of iron-nickel alloy. While pressure increases with depth in Earth, the extremely high temperatures in the outer core are sufficient to melt the alloy, even under pressure. The other options are incorrect: a tarry consistency does not explain the liquid state, the outer core is denser than the mantle, and extreme pressure alone would tend to solidify rather than liquify the material.
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The iron-nickel alloy melts due to hot temperatures.