The table below shows the thickness, top density, and bottom density of the different layers of the Earth.

\begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|c|c|}
\hline & \begin{tabular}{c}
Thickness \\
[tex]$( km )$[/tex]
\end{tabular} & \multicolumn{2}{|c|}{\begin{tabular}{c}
Density \\
[tex]$( g / cm^3 )$[/tex]
\end{tabular}} & \begin{tabular}{c}
Types of Rock \\
Found
\end{tabular} \\
\cline { 3 - 4 } & & Top & Bottom & \\
\hline Crust & 30 & 2.2 & 2.9 & Silicic rocks \\
\hline \begin{tabular}{c}
Upper \\
mantle
\end{tabular} & 720 & 3.4 & 4.4 & Peridotite \\
\hline \begin{tabular}{c}
Lower \\
mantle
\end{tabular} & 2,171 & 4.4 & 5.6 & \begin{tabular}{l}
Magnesium and \\
silicon oxides
\end{tabular} \\
\hline \begin{tabular}{c}
Outer \\
core
\end{tabular} & 2,259 & 9.9 & 12.2 & Iron+oxygen \\
\hline \begin{tabular}{c}
Inner \\
core
\end{tabular} & 1,221 & 12.8 & 13.1 & Iron+oxygen \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

Which statement is supported by the information in the table?

A. As depth increases, the density of the layers increases.
B. As depth increases, the density of the layers decreases.
C. As depth increases, the thickness of the layers increases.
D. As depth increases, the thickness of the layers decreases.



Answer :

Let's analyze the data provided in the table step by step to answer the question.

1. Review the Data for Density:
- Crust: Top density = 2.2 [tex]\(g/cm^3\)[/tex], Bottom density = 2.9 [tex]\(g/cm^3\)[/tex]
- Upper Mantle: Top density = 3.4 [tex]\(g/cm^3\)[/tex], Bottom density = 4.4 [tex]\(g/cm^3\)[/tex]
- Lower Mantle: Top density = 4.4 [tex]\(g/cm^3\)[/tex], Bottom density = 5.6 [tex]\(g/cm^3\)[/tex]
- Outer Core: Top density = 9.9 [tex]\(g/cm^3\)[/tex], Bottom density = 12.2 [tex]\(g/cm^3\)[/tex]
- Inner Core: Top density = 12.8 [tex]\(g/cm^3\)[/tex], Bottom density = 13.1 [tex]\(g/cm^3\)[/tex]

We observe the following trend:
- The bottom density of each layer is either equal to or greater than the top density of the subsequent layer, indicating an increase in density as depth increases.

To verify:
- From Crust to Upper Mantle: 2.9 < 3.4
- From Upper Mantle to Lower Mantle: 4.4 = 4.4
- From Lower Mantle to Outer Core: 5.6 < 9.9
- From Outer Core to Inner Core: 12.2 < 12.8

2. Review the Data for Thickness:
- Crust: Thickness = 30 km
- Upper Mantle: Thickness = 720 km
- Lower Mantle: Thickness = 2171 km
- Outer Core: Thickness = 2259 km
- Inner Core: Thickness = 1221 km

We observe the following trend:
- From Crust to Upper Mantle: 30 < 720
- From Upper Mantle to Lower Mantle: 720 < 2171
- From Lower Mantle to Outer Core: 2171 < 2259
- From Outer Core to Inner Core: 2259 > 1221

While generally, the thickness increases with depth from Crust through the Lower Mantle to the Outer Core, the thickness decreases as we move from the Outer Core to the Inner Core.

3. Statements Analysis:
- As depth increases, the density of the layers increases.
This statement is supported by the data because as we go deeper, the densities consistently increase.

- As depth increases, the density of the layers decreases.
This statement is not supported because the density increases with depth.

- As depth increases, the thickness of the layers increases.
This statement is partially supported up to the Outer Core but not for the Inner Core.

- As depth increases, the thickness of the layers decreases.
This statement is not supported because the thickness initially increases before decreasing between the Outer Core and the Inner Core.

From our analysis, the correct statement supported by the information in the table is:
As depth increases, the density of the layers increases.

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