Question

Describe what planetary differentiation is and the role that it played in the formation of the planets in the solar system. Use Earth as an example of how differentiation occurs.

Answer 1

The scientific term 'differentiation' basically means 'to separate? In terms of planetary evolution, differentiation means to make a homogeneous body heterogeneous. This reflects changes in the relative proportions of chemical and mineralogical constituents from one region to another. Planetary differentiation thus refers to the process that cause an essentially homogeneous body made up of primordial solar material to become separated into layers having different physical and chemical properties. Moreover, the process is primarily related to thermal processes, ie, it is a manifestation of internal heating, melting and segregation of components. High density materials tends to form inner layess due to gravity, and this results to larger pressure at the inner regions of a planet. The example of Earth: In the earliest history of planet formation, the elements which made the planets would part into separate regions, if the planets were warm enough. In the case of the Earth, the Lenses iron-rich components sinked to form the dense motten metal phase at the interiors along with materials that readily form alloy with ison. The less dense magnesium-silicate rich antle is formed around the love and even lighter silicates of aluminium, sodium, calcium and potassium forms the silicate crust. The even lighter liquid water and ice forms the hydrosphere. In this way, the various layers of Earth are formed.