GEL 50, Homework 1 Name: Joseph Perez Santos
Chapter 1: The Earth System
Chapter 9: Early History of the Terrestrial Planets
Please enter your responses in the text boxes provided. All answers should be given in complete
sentences. Responses should be 1-3 sentences. Upload this completed document to CANVAS by the
posted deadline.
Grading: Each homework assignment is worth 25 pts. One question (chosen at random) from each
assignment will be graded for content. This question is worth 5 pts. The other 20 pts are earned based
on completeness: 100% (20 pts), 75% (15 pts), 50% (10 pts), 25% (5 pts), less than 25% (0 pts).
Solutions will be posted online after the submission deadline so you can check your own answers.
Scores for late assignments will automatically be reduced by 25% for the first 24 hours, 50% for the
second 24 hours. No assignments accepted more than 48 hours after submission deadline.
Chapter 1
m
er as
1. Illustrate the differences between a hypothesis, a theory, and a model with some
co
eH w
examples drawn from this chapter.
o.
rs e
A hypothesis is an explanation based on data collected through observations and
ou urc
experiments, for example, “Earth is billions of years old.” While a theory is set of
hypotheses that explains some aspect of nature. For instance, the theory that
Earth is nearly spherical is supported by evidence. However, a model is a precise
o
representation based on hypotheses and theories, so it is often formulated as a
computer program that simulates the behavior of a natural system through
aC s
numerical calculations.
vi y re
2. How does the chemical composition of Earth’s crust differ from that of its mantle? From
that of its core?
ed d
ar stu
The chemical composition of Earth’s crust is different of its mantle because it is
composed of low-density silicates, which is rich in aluminum and potassium, from
the higher-density silicates of its mantle, which contain more magnesium and
iron. Finally, the core is mostly iron metal. Also, the iron is the densest element of
is
Earth’s mass and it is concentrated in the core, while oxygen, the least dense, is
Th
concentrated in the crust and mantle.
sh
3. Explain how Earth’s outer core can be liquid while the mantle is solid.
Earth’s outer core is liquid while the mantle is solid due to the relative melting
points of the different layers and its chemicals (iron core, silicate mantle), and the
increase in temperature and pressure as depth increases.
This study source was downloaded by 100000817288252 from CourseHero.com on 04-05-2021 16:42:46 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/54248841/GEL50-HW1docx/
Chapter 1: The Earth System
Chapter 9: Early History of the Terrestrial Planets
Please enter your responses in the text boxes provided. All answers should be given in complete
sentences. Responses should be 1-3 sentences. Upload this completed document to CANVAS by the
posted deadline.
Grading: Each homework assignment is worth 25 pts. One question (chosen at random) from each
assignment will be graded for content. This question is worth 5 pts. The other 20 pts are earned based
on completeness: 100% (20 pts), 75% (15 pts), 50% (10 pts), 25% (5 pts), less than 25% (0 pts).
Solutions will be posted online after the submission deadline so you can check your own answers.
Scores for late assignments will automatically be reduced by 25% for the first 24 hours, 50% for the
second 24 hours. No assignments accepted more than 48 hours after submission deadline.
Chapter 1
m
er as
1. Illustrate the differences between a hypothesis, a theory, and a model with some
co
eH w
examples drawn from this chapter.
o.
rs e
A hypothesis is an explanation based on data collected through observations and
ou urc
experiments, for example, “Earth is billions of years old.” While a theory is set of
hypotheses that explains some aspect of nature. For instance, the theory that
Earth is nearly spherical is supported by evidence. However, a model is a precise
o
representation based on hypotheses and theories, so it is often formulated as a
computer program that simulates the behavior of a natural system through
aC s
numerical calculations.
vi y re
2. How does the chemical composition of Earth’s crust differ from that of its mantle? From
that of its core?
ed d
ar stu
The chemical composition of Earth’s crust is different of its mantle because it is
composed of low-density silicates, which is rich in aluminum and potassium, from
the higher-density silicates of its mantle, which contain more magnesium and
iron. Finally, the core is mostly iron metal. Also, the iron is the densest element of
is
Earth’s mass and it is concentrated in the core, while oxygen, the least dense, is
Th
concentrated in the crust and mantle.
sh
3. Explain how Earth’s outer core can be liquid while the mantle is solid.
Earth’s outer core is liquid while the mantle is solid due to the relative melting
points of the different layers and its chemicals (iron core, silicate mantle), and the
increase in temperature and pressure as depth increases.
This study source was downloaded by 100000817288252 from CourseHero.com on 04-05-2021 16:42:46 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/54248841/GEL50-HW1docx/
