What defines a terrestrial planet's internal composition?
Answer
A dense, metallic core, usually iron or nickel, surrounded by silicates
Terrestrial planets, characterized by being rocky worlds, possess a fundamental internal structure composed of distinct layers. At the center lies a dense core, which is typically composed of heavy metals such as iron or nickel. This metallic core is enveloped by a substantial mantle and an outer crust made up of silicate minerals. This composition configuration results in these worlds having a relatively high overall density when contrasted with the gas or ice giants, whose mass is mostly comprised of lighter elements housed within massive atmospheres.
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