To determine the type of rock the scientist found, we first need to calculate the density of the rock she discovered using the formula:
\[ \text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}} \]
Given that the mass of the rock is 72 grams and the volume is 24 cm³, we can calculate the density as follows:
\[ \text{Density} = \frac{72 \text{ g}}{24 \text{ cm}^3} = 3.0 \text{ g/cm}^3 \]
Now, let's compare this calculated density with the average densities of the rocks provided in the table:
- Shale: 2.0 g/cm³
- Quartzite: 3.0 g/cm³
- Sandstone: 2.5 g/cm³
- Marble: 2.7 g/cm³
- Limestone: 1.2 g/cm³
The calculated density of the rock (3.0 g/cm³) matches the density of Quartzite.
Therefore, according to the data, the type of rock the scientist found is Quartzite.