Directions: For the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) given below, choose the correct alternative. Assertion (A): Inside the earth, metals are present in a molten state. Reason (R): The earth becomes hot because it absorbs the sun's rays.

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to basic earth science. It talks about the state of materials inside the earth and tries to connect this with heating by solar radiation. Assertion–reason format is used to see if students understand the general idea of molten material inside the earth and whether they know that internal heat has different sources than simple absorption of sunlight.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Assertion (A): Inside the earth, metals are present in a molten state.
• Reason (R): The earth becomes hot because it absorbs the sun's rays.
• We assume simplified school level models of earth interior and heat sources.
• The question asks about the truth of both statements and their relationship.

Concept / Approach:
The earth interior is divided into layers: crust, mantle and core. The outer core is molten and consists largely of iron and nickel in liquid form. The inner core is solid due to high pressure. Heat inside the earth arises from residual heat of formation and radioactive decay, not primarily from solar radiation. Solar energy mainly affects the surface and atmosphere, not the deep interior.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate Assertion (A). In simplified school descriptions, it is often mentioned that deep inside the earth, particularly in the outer core, metals such as iron and nickel are in a molten or liquid state. Therefore, saying that metals are present in a molten state inside the earth is broadly true at this level, even though the inner core is solid.Step 2: Evaluate Reason (R). The statement says that the earth becomes hot because it absorbs the sun's rays. While the surface and atmosphere of the earth do warm up due to sunlight, the deep interior heat that keeps metals molten is not mainly due to absorbed solar radiation. Instead, it results from internal processes and leftover heat from planet formation.Step 3: Therefore R is not a correct statement about the main cause of earth internal heat responsible for molten metals. It is false as an explanation in this context.Step 4: Since A is true and R is false, the correct combination is that A is true but R is false. R cannot be accepted as a correct explanation.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider that sunlight only penetrates a very thin layer at the surface; it cannot reach thousands of kilometres down to the core. Yet scientific models show that the core is extremely hot and has been hot for billions of years, powered by internal sources. This demonstrates that solar rays are not the cause of molten metals deep inside the earth, confirming that R is incorrect.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a and option b treat R as true, which misrepresents the nature of earth internal heat. Option d suggests that A is false and R is true, which contradicts both the idea of a molten outer core and the established understanding of heat sources inside the earth.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse surface heating and internal heating, assuming that all warmth on earth must come from the sun. It is important to remember that deep geothermal heat is a separate phenomenon from solar heating and that textbooks clearly mention molten material in earth interior due to internal heat.

Final Answer:
The correct evaluation is that Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.