A student measured the mass of a solid sample and recorded the mass on his data sheet as 20.587 grams. He recorded his initial volume as 7.9 mL and his final volume as 11.1 mL. Calculate the density of the sample.

Question

A student measured the mass of a solid sample and recorded the mass on his   data sheet as 20.587 grams.  He recorded his initial volume as 7.9 mL and his final volume as 11.1 mL.  Calculate the density of the sample.

DrBob222 · Answer

My guess is that this is a problem to test your ability to report ONLY the right number of significant figures. density = mass/volume. Calculate the answer then round to two s.f.