Physics of minerals

Question 1

Which type of seismic wave can travel through both solids and liquids?

Answer 1

P waves (Compressional)

Question 2

What property of minerals controls how fast seismic waves travel through them?

Answer 2

Moduli and density

Question 3

The Earth’s magnetic field is generated by:

Answer 3

Convection of liquid iron in the outer core

Question 4

What happens when Earth’s magnetic field flips its polarity?

Answer 4

The North and South poles reverse

Question 5

Which material has the highest shear modulus, making it extremely rigid?

Answer 5

Diamond

Question 6

What does isostacy help explain?

Answer 6

Why mountains have low-density roots

Question 7

Gravity measurements show that Earth is:

Answer 7

Slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator

Question 8

Why does an object weigh less at the equator than at the poles?

Answer 8

Greater distance from the Earth’s center of mass

Question 9

What mineral records past magnetic fields when it cools below its Curie point?

Answer 9

Magnetite

Question 10

The Earth’s heat at depth is estimated to reach how high at the core-mantle boundary?

Answer 10

2500–5000°C