Earth's Interior and Layers - Multiple Choice Worksheet

Scientists learn about the Earth's interior by studying:

• Rock samples from the core

• The behavior of seismic waves

• The planet's magnetic field

• Samples of ocean water

Which of Earth's layers is the thinnest?

• Mantle

• Inner Core

• Crust

• Outer Core

The core is primarily composed of which two metals?

• Aluminum and Silicon

• Copper and Zinc

• Iron and Nickel

• Lead and Gold

Which physical layer of Earth is a liquid?

• Lithosphere

• Asthenosphere

• Outer Core

• Inner Core

P-waves are also known as:

• Transverse waves

• Compressional waves

• Secondary waves

• Surface waves

Which statement about S-waves is TRUE?

• They are faster than P-waves.

• They can travel through liquids.

• They cannot travel through liquids.

• They arrive at seismographs first.

The lithosphere is composed of the:

• Crust and the upper mantle

• Mantle and the outer core

• Outer core and the inner core

• Asthenosphere and mesosphere

The slow-flowing, "plastic-like" layer that tectonic plates float on is the:

• Asthenosphere

• Lithosphere

• Mantle

• Core

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What happens to P-waves when they enter the outer core?

• They stop completely.

• They speed up.

• They turn into S-waves.

• They bend (refract).

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

The existence of the S-wave shadow zone is evidence for what?

• The core is made of iron.

• The mantle is solid.

• The outer core is liquid.

• The inner core is solid.