What materials predominantly form the inner, rocky terrestrial planets like Earth and Mars?
Answer
Silicates and metals like iron and nickel.
The composition of terrestrial worlds contrasts significantly with that of the gas giants or the Sun. Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars are characterized by being rich in heavier, rocky materials. These materials consist primarily of silicates, which are compounds involving silicon and oxygen, forming the bulk of the crust and mantle, and dense metallic components, notably iron and nickel, which constitute their cores. This density and elemental makeup are directly opposed to the outer planets, which are dominated by light elements or ices.
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