What is necessary for differentiation to occur in a planet?

Answer: A difference in properties between two interacting systems as explained below.

Explanation: Planetary differentiation is the process of separation of different parts of a planetary body as a result of their physical or chemical behavior.

Causes for Physical Differentiation:

1. Melting and crystallization of source rock.

2. Differences in densities

3. Thermal diffusion

4. Collision of large bodies

Chemical Differentiation accounts for differences in chemical compositions of different materials.

The differentiation, or organization, of the Earth into layers led to the formation of a core, a crust, and eventually continents. The light elements were driven from the interior to form an ocean and atmosphere.