liquid outer core
What liquid outer core means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of liquid outer core
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain liquid outer core in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
S-waves cannot travel through it, unlike P-waves, which provides crucial evidence for the Earth's internal liquid structure.
The layer at which S-waves stop, which is the evidence that this part of the core is liquid.
Topics that use liquid outer core
Related terms
- absorption contrast
- change of speed
- compressions and rarefactions
- detection and exploration
- echo pulses
- echo timing
- halving the path
- how science works
Using liquid outer core in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge