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The most widely accepted theory is that Mercury originally had a metal-silicate ratio similar to common many smaller meteors. However, early in the solar system's history, Mercury may have been struck by a small, still-forming planet several hundred kilometers across. The impact would have stripped away much of the original crust and mantle, leaving the core behind as a relatively major component. A similar process has been proposed to explain the formation of Earth's Moon.

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14y ago
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6y ago

For a planet of its size Mercury is unusually dense. The most plausible explanation is that its iron-nickel core, which is much denser than rock, must be disproportionately large.

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Q: Why is Mercury believed to have a large metallic core?
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Is mercury made of gas?

No. Mercury has a surface made of rock and a large metallic core. It has virtually no atmosphere.


Is mercury made up of hydrogen?

No. Mercury is made of rock with a metallic core.


Is the interior of Mercury composed mostly of the element Mercury?

No, the core of mercury is believed to be composed mainly of iron.


Is the core of the moon like that of earth?

The moon is believed to have a metallic core similar to that of Earth, but smaller in proportion to the moon than Earth's core is to Earth.


What are the layers of mercury?

There are three layers on Mercury. Mercury has a crust, a mantle, and a core. It has a crust considered thick, a mantle considered brittle, and a core considered metallic.


Does mars have a molten core?

Good question. But I have to say no. Mercury's core is not made out of lava. Its core is made out of iron. But mercury was formed by volcanos and still has active volcanoes on it.


Is venus a large ball of gas?

No. Like Earth, Venus is made of rock with a metallic core.


Mercury's internal composition?

Mercury's internal composition is predominantly composed of a large iron-rich core, accounting for about 85% of its volume. Surrounding the core is a silicate mantle, which makes up the remaining 15%. The core is believed to be molten and is responsible for generating Mercury's magnetic field.


What is the metallic core?

The earth's metallic core is located beneath its mantle in the center of the earth. The metallic core is made almost entirely of metal and is the hottest and deepest layer of the earth.


What does the interior of the planet mercury look like?

Based on observing Mercury and comparing Mercury with Earth, it is inferred that Mercury has a large core that is rich in iron. Planetary geologists estimate that the core of Mercury is about 42% of the planet's total volume. Data from research performed by these geologists strongly suggests that the planet has a molten core. Mercury's core has a higher iron content than the core of any other major planet in the solar system.


What is mercury mostly made of?

Mercury is a rocky planet with a huge iron core which makes up a large part of its interior.


Do all planets have a molten core that has liquid metal?

Only the Earth is known to have a core that includes liquid metal.However, Jupiter and Saturn do have regions composed of metallic liquid hydrogen. Also, there is some evidence that Mercury and Venus may have liquid metal in their cores. Mars may have some liquid metallic sulfide in its core.