Which elements contribute to internal heat via radioactive decay?
Answer
Uranium, thorium, and potassium
The decay of naturally occurring radioactive isotopes within the mantle, specifically uranium ($^{238} ext{U}$ and $^{235} ext{U}$), thorium ($^{232} ext{Th}$), and potassium ($^{40} ext{K}$), releases thermal energy directly into the surrounding rock.
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