The term "nife layer" refers to the Earth's core, which is primarily composed of nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe).
Composition of the Earth's Core
The Earth's core, with a radius of approximately 3500 km, is the innermost layer of our planet. It's notable for its composition, which is primarily made up of these two heavy elements, hence the name "nife" derived from the chemical symbols of nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe).
Why is it called "nife"?
The name "nife" is a convenient shorthand, derived from the first two letters of nickel ("ni") and the first two letters of the Latin name for iron, "ferrum" ("fe"). This term highlights the core's significant concentration of these two elements.
Key Characteristics of the Nife Layer:
- Composition: Predominantly nickel and iron.
- Location: Innermost layer of the Earth, the core.
- Size: Has a radius of about 3500 km.
- Importance: The nife layer is responsible for generating the Earth's magnetic field due to the movement of molten iron within the outer core.
Layer Summary Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Nife layer (core) |
| Composition | Primarily Nickel (Ni) and Iron (Fe) |
| Location | Innermost part of the Earth |
| Radius | Approximately 3500 km |
| Significance | Responsible for Earth's magnetic field |
