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Though Earth and the Moon have numerous common elements in their compositions, the Moon has fewer volatile materials. Scientists believe that temperatures on the Moon reached at least [tex]\(1,400^{\circ} C\)[/tex] at the time of its formation.

Table 2. Elements on Earth Also Found on the Moon

| Element | Boiling Point ([tex]\(^{\circ}C\)[/tex]) |
|-----------|-------------------------------|
| Potassium | 765 |
| Sodium | 883 |
| Zinc | 910 |

Based on Table 2, correctly complete the statement that identifies which theory:



Answer :

GinnyAnswer
Let's carefully analyze the given data to determine which elements would have vaporized at the Moon's formation temperature of [tex]$1,400^{\circ} C$[/tex]. We are provided with the boiling points of three elements: Potassium, Sodium, and Zinc.

### Boiling Points of Elements:
- Potassium: [tex]\(765^{\circ} C\)[/tex]
- Sodium: [tex]\(883^{\circ} C\)[/tex]
- Zinc: [tex]\(910^{\circ} C\)[/tex]

### Moon's Formation Temperature:
- The temperature during the Moon's formation reached at least [tex]\(1,400^{\circ} C\)[/tex].

### Analysis:
To determine if an element would have vaporized, we compare its boiling point to the Moon's formation temperature. If the element's boiling point is lower than [tex]\(1,400^{\circ} C\)[/tex], it would have vaporized.

1. Potassium:
- Boiling Point: [tex]\(765^{\circ} C\)[/tex]
- Since [tex]\(765^{\circ} C\)[/tex] is less than [tex]\(1,400^{\circ} C\)[/tex], Potassium would have vaporized.

2. Sodium:
- Boiling Point: [tex]\(883^{\circ} C\)[/tex]
- Since [tex]\(883^{\circ} C\)[/tex] is less than [tex]\(1,400^{\circ} C\)[/tex], Sodium would have vaporized.

3. Zinc:
- Boiling Point: [tex]\(910^{\circ} C\)[/tex]
- Since [tex]\(910^{\circ} C\)[/tex] is less than [tex]\(1,400^{\circ} C\)[/tex], Zinc would have vaporized.

### Conclusion:
Based on the boiling points provided and the Moon's formation temperature, we can conclude that all three elements (Potassium, Sodium, and Zinc) would have vaporized at the Moon's formation temperature of [tex]\(1,400^{\circ} C\)[/tex]. This analysis supports the theory that the Moon has fewer volatile materials because these elements would have turned into gases and potentially escaped during its formation.

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