How do tectonic plates move relative to each other? ) They float on the Earth's core They sink into the mantle They move away from toward, or slide past each other They remain stationary

## Step 1<br />The question is asking about the movement of tectonic plates relative to each other. Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's crust and uppermost mantle that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. They are constantly moving, albeit very slowly, due to the convection currents in the Earth's mantle beneath them.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The options provided are:<br />A. They float on the Earth's core<br />B. They sink into the mantle<br />C. They move away from, toward, or slide past each other<br />D. They remain stationary<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Option A is incorrect because tectonic plates do not float on the Earth's core. The Earth's core is a solid sphere composed primarily of iron and nickel, and it is not the medium on which tectonic plates float.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Option B is also incorrect. Tectonic plates do not sink into the mantle. Instead, they float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere, which is a part of the upper mantle.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Option C is correct. Tectonic plates can move away from each other (divergent boundaries), toward each other (convergent boundaries), or slide past each other (transform boundaries). This movement is driven by the convection currents in the Earth's mantle.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />Option D is incorrect. Tectonic plates do not remain stationary. They are constantly moving due to the forces acting on them.