How was the Golden Calf to be pulverized in the sea while it was molten and not turn into ashes, as stated in the Almighty's words: "Verily, we shall burn it and then we shall scatter its dust in the sea"?

Scholars have differed regarding the nature of the calf worshipped by the Children of Israel. Some have gone to the extent of saying that it was a real calf, in which case the burning would be real and the scattering would be of its ashes. While others have gone to the extent of saying that it was not real, in which case the burning would be by filing, or by melting. Ibn Atiyyah mentioned various readings for the verb "lanuḥarriqannahu" (we will surely burn it) which could mean burning with fire, filing, or melting. The calf had been ingrained in the hearts of the Children of Israel, so Moses wanted to destroy it by burning, crushing, and scattering it in the sea to remove its love from their hearts and to show its falsehood. Then he informed them that their God is Allah alone.