Calculating the mass of objects in ICE

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the mass of a fossil embedded in a block of ice, with specific dimensions of 426mm x 264mm x 153mm and a total mass of 21.8kg. The density of ice is given as 0.917g/cm³, while the density of the fossil is 3.64g/cm³. The user initially miscalculated the volume and mass of the ice and fossil but later realized that the total mass can be derived by subtracting the mass of the ice from the total mass, leading to the conclusion that the fossil's mass is 6022g.

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Homework Statement



A rectangular block of ice containing a fossil measures 426mm x 264mm x 153mm with a total mass of 21.8kg

Density of ice = 0.917g/cm3

Density of Fossil = 3.64g/cm3

What percentage of the block's mass is the fossil?


Homework Equations



Density = Mass/Volume
Mass = Density x Volume
Volume = Mass/Density


The Attempt at a Solution



Now I calculated the volume 17206992 but I thought that was too big so I changed the measurements to cm = 42.6cm x 26.4 x 15.3 V= 17207cm3

Now this is were it gets a bit hairy I calculate the Mass

M = Density x Volume = 0.917g/cm3 x 17207cm3 = 15778.81g = 15.77kg (ICE)

M = Density x Volume = 3.64g/cm3 x 17207cm3 = 62633.48g = 62.63kg (FOSSIL)

What have I done wrong here? I am not sure of the correct steps?
 
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You know volume(fossil)+volume(ice)=total volume. Also density(fossil)*volume(fossil)+density(ice)*volume(ice)=total mass. That's two simultaneous equations in two unknowns. Solve for the two unknown volumes.
 
What about if take the 21.8kg convert it to grams 21800g minus the total mass of ice 15778g

Will that mean 21800-15778 = 6022g is the mass of the Fossil ? Surely it can't be that simple? Have I missed a step ?
 

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