Here's a breakdown:
* Earth's Core: The innermost part of the Earth, composed mostly of iron and nickel.
* Outer Core: A liquid layer about 2,200 kilometers (1,367 miles) thick, surrounding the solid inner core. The intense heat and pressure within the outer core create a liquid state.
* Inner Core: A solid ball of iron and nickel with a radius of about 1,220 kilometers (758 miles). While the inner core is incredibly hot, the intense pressure keeps it in a solid state.
The liquid outer core plays a crucial role in generating Earth's magnetic field. The movement of molten iron within the outer core creates electric currents, which generate a magnetic field that extends far out into space, protecting us from harmful solar radiation.
