The Earth's mantle and core have different compositions, densities, and masses, which contribute to their distinct physical properties.
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Mass:
- The Earth's mantle makes up about 84% of the Earth's volume, but it is less dense than the core. The mantle has an average mass of approximately 4.0 × 10^24 kg.
- The Earth's core, which is composed mainly of iron and nickel, has a mass of about 1.7 × 10^24 kg, accounting for roughly 15% of the Earth's total mass.
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Density:
- The average density of the mantle is about 3.3 to 5.7 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), depending on the depth and composition.
- The outer core has a density of about 9.9 to 12.2 g/cm³, while the inner core has a density ranging from approximately 12.8 to 13.5 g/cm³.
In summary, while the mantle has a greater mass than the core due to its larger volume, the core is significantly denser than the mantle due to its metallic composition.