<p>They are - somewhat by definition.</p>
<p>One criterion for a planet is that it is large enough that it is in hydrostatic equilibrium so that it takes on spherical shape. Any body large enough for that to occur will to a certain degree be a differentiated body as hydrostatic equilibrium means that masses need to be able to move, thus the heavier elements will sediment towards the center. Due to the speed of geological processes, differentiation (=de-mixing) may initially be faster, but is never really finished, unless a body is completly solid and cold (which no planet is).</p>
<p>The existence or non-existence of hydrostatic equilibrium is one of the differences between dwarf planets and so-called small solar system bodies.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-09-07T12:38:46.003Z
"To a certain degree" : does that mean some planets are more differentiated than others?
usernumber
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-09-07T14:38:47.433Z
Certainly. Differentiation is a slow and still an ongoing process, e.g. on Earth. Rocky melts don't quickly form a chemically segregated layering due to their viscosity.
planetmaker
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-09-07T15:38:08.370Z
Which planets are more differentiated? Which planets are less differentiated? Do we even know?
usernumber
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-09-07T12:14:17.397Z
2020-09-07T21:24:37.687Z
2020-09-07T21:24:37.687Z
planetmaker
<p>The Earth is differentiated, as it has a distinguishable core, mantle and crust with different compositions and densities. Are all the other planets differentiated as well?</p>

<planet><planetary-formation><differentiation>
Are all the planets differentiated?
usernumber
# Are all the planets differentiated?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2020-09-07)

The Earth is differentiated, as it has a distinguishable core, mantle and crust with different compositions and densities. Are all the other planets differentiated as well?

**Tags:** planet, planetary-formation, differentiation


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2020-09-07. Score: 4

They are - somewhat by definition.

One criterion for a planet is that it is large enough that it is in hydrostatic equilibrium so that it takes on spherical shape. Any body large enough for that to occur will to a certain degree be a differentiated body as hydrostatic equilibrium means that masses need to be able to move, thus the heavier elements will sediment towards the center. Due to the speed of geological processes, differentiation (=de-mixing) may initially be faster, but is never really finished, unless a body is completly solid and cold (which no planet is).

The existence or non-existence of hydrostatic equilibrium is one of the differences between dwarf planets and so-called small solar system bodies.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: "To a certain degree" : does that mean some planets are more differentiated than others?  
> **username_1**: Certainly. Differentiation is a slow and still an ongoing process, e.g. on Earth. Rocky melts don't quickly form a chemically segregated layering due to their viscosity.  
> **username_0**: Which planets are more differentiated? Which planets are less differentiated? Do we even know?  

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