Question

the mass of a solid is 3.60 grams and its volume is 1.8 cubic centimeters. what is the density of the solid, expressed to the correct number of significant figures?
density = mass/volume
a 0.5 g/cm³
b 2.0 g/cm³
c 0.50 g/cm³
d 2 g/cm³

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Density Formula

Density ($
ho$) is calculated as mass ($m$) divided by volume ($V$), so $
ho = \frac{m}{V}$.

Step2: Substitute Values

Given $m = 3.60$ g and $V = 1.8$ cm³. Substitute into the formula: $
ho = \frac{3.60}{1.8}$.

Step3: Perform Calculation

$\frac{3.60}{1.8} = 2.0$ g/cm³. Now, check significant figures: 3.60 has 3 sig figs, 1.8 has 2 sig figs. When dividing, the result should have the same number of sig figs as the least precise measurement (2 sig figs). So $2.0$ (2 sig figs) is correct.

Answer:

B. 2.0 g/cm³