Today I read a story in the WP relating to the rotation of earths “solid” inner iron core. I looked it up from a different source that confirmed it is solid as opposed to liquid. How can it be so hot and not be molten? Thank you!
In: 81
Because despite being really really hot, it’s also really really compressed.
The phase (solid, liquid, or gas) of something is determined by 3 things:
1. The physical properties of the substance
2. The temperature
3. The pressure.
If the pressure is high enough, most things can stay solid, up to pretty ridiculous temperatures.
And it might not be surprising to learn that the core of a planet is under some pretty high pressures.
This also explains why we have 2 cores. The solid inner core, and a liquid outer core. Even though they’re made of the same stuff, because the outer core is under less pressure, it can become a liquid.
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