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The chemical composition of the cores of the terrestrial planets and the moonUsing models of the quasi-chemical theory of solutions, the activity coefficients of silicon are calculated in the melts Fe-Si, Ni-Si, and Fe-Ni-Si. The calculated free energies of solution of liquid nickel and silicon in liquid iron in the interval 0 to 1400 kbar and 1500 to 4000 K, shows that Fe-Ni-Si alloy is stable under the conditions of the outer core of the earth and the cores of the terrestrial planets. The oxidation-reduction conditions are studied, and the fugacity of oxygen in the mantles of the planets and at the core-mantle boundary are calculated. The mechanism of reduction of silicon is analyzed over a broad interval of p and T. The interaction between the matter of the core and mantle is studied, resulting in the extraction of silicon from the mantle and its solution in the material of the core. It is concluded that silicon can enter into the composition of the outer core of the earth and Venus, but probably does not enter into the composition of the cores of Mercury, Mars, and the moon, if in fact the latter possesses one.
Document ID
19780004995
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Kuskov, O. L.
(Academy of Sciences (USSR) Moscow, Ussr)
Khitarov, N. I.
(Academy of Sciences (USSR) Moscow, Ussr)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1977
Publication Information
Publication: NASA, Washington The Soviet-Am. Conf. on Cosmochem. of the Moon and Planets, pt. 1
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
78N12938
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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