The Earth's mantle and core have distinct compositions, masses, and densities. Here's a comparison:
Mass:
- Mantle: The Earth's mantle makes up about 84% of the Earth's total volume and has an estimated mass of about 4.0 × 10²⁴ kilograms.
- Core: The Earth's core, which consists of an outer liquid layer and an inner solid layer, comprises about 16% of the Earth's total volume, with an estimated mass of about 1.9 × 10²⁴ kilograms.
Density:
- Mantle: The average density of the mantle is approximately 3.3 to 3.5 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). It is composed mainly of silicate rocks that are richer in magnesium and iron than the crust.
- Core: The average density of the core is significantly higher, around 10 to 13 g/cm³. The core primarily consists of iron, with a nickel and sulfur composition, particularly in the outer core, which contributes to its high density.
Comparison:
- The mantle is less dense than the core; the core's density is nearly three times that of the mantle.
- In mass, the mantle is significantly more massive than the core, as it constitutes the majority of the Earth's mass.
In summary, the mantle is much less dense and more massive than the core, reflecting the differences in their compositions and physical states.