Question

What is the energy source of the convection cells in the earth's mantle?

A.
magma pushing through the crust at hot spots

B.
radioactive decay in the earth's interior

C.
gravity acting on the edge of the plates

D.
the sun's energy heating the crust

Answer 1

A. Radioactive decay does not result in heat. Gravity also does not result in heat. In the Earth's mantle, it is highly unlikely that the radiation from the sun would reach that deep into the earth.