What is the temperature of the Earth's outer core?

The temperature of the Earth's outer core is estimated to range from approximately 4500°C to 5500°C. This layer, composed primarily of liquid iron and nickel, is crucial to the Earth's magnetic field generation through the Geodynamo process. The high temperatures result from the immense pressure and the heat generated by the decay of radioactive elements, as well as residual heat from the planet's formation.

While temperatures can vary slightly in different models and conditions, the range selected reflects the scientific consensus on the properties of the outer core. Higher or lower temperatures would not adequately account for the physical state of the outer core and its role in geodynamic processes. The other options suggest temperatures that exceed the maximum expected for the outer core or are too low to be realistic for this layer of the Earth.