which statement is correct about the inner core and mantle of the Earth?

The statement "The inner core of the Earth is solid, while the mantle is a hot, dense, semi-solid layer" is correct.

The correct statement about the inner core and mantle of the Earth is that the inner core is a solid, dense, and extremely hot metallic sphere, while the mantle is a semi-solid layer made up of rock and molten material.

To determine which statement is correct about the inner core and mantle of the Earth, we can consider their characteristics and compare them. Here are two statements that describe these regions:

1. The inner core is solid, while the mantle is semi-solid.

To confirm this statement, we can refer to the scientific understanding of Earth's layers. The inner core is believed to be primarily composed of solid iron and nickel due to tremendous pressure, despite being extremely hot. In contrast, the mantle is mainly composed of semi-solid rock known as magma. So, statement 1 is correct.

2. The inner core is hotter than the mantle.

To verify this statement, we can examine the temperature distribution within the Earth. The inner core is thought to have temperatures reaching up to around 5,500 degrees Celsius (9,932 degrees Fahrenheit), while the mantle's temperature ranges from about 500 degrees Celsius (932 degrees Fahrenheit) near the upper part to around 3,700 degrees Celsius (6,692 degrees Fahrenheit) near the boundary with the core. Therefore, statement 2 is also correct.

In conclusion, both statements are correct. The inner core is solid, while the mantle is semi-solid, and the inner core is hotter than the mantle.