To determine the density of the object, we need to divide its mass by its volume. Here are the detailed steps for the calculation:
1. Identify the given values:
- Mass ([tex]\( m \)[/tex]) of the object = 26.3 grams
- Volume ([tex]\( V \)[/tex]) of the object = 3 milliliters
2. Apply the density formula:
[tex]\[
\text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}}
\][/tex]
Substituting the given values into the formula:
[tex]\[
\text{Density} = \frac{26.3 \, \text{g}}{3 \, \text{mL}}
\][/tex]
3. Perform the division:
[tex]\[
\text{Density} \approx 8.766666666666667 \, \frac{\text{g}}{\text{mL}}
\][/tex]
4. Determine the number of significant figures:
- The mass (26.3 g) has 3 significant figures.
- The volume (3 mL) has 1 significant figure.
The result should be reported with the least number of significant figures among the values used in the calculation. In this case, that is 1 significant figure.
5. Round the result to 1 significant figure:
The detailed division result is approximately 8.766666666666667. When rounded to 1 significant figure:
[tex]\[
\text{Density} \approx 9 \, \frac{\text{g}}{\text{mL}}
\][/tex]
Hence, the density of the object reported to the correct number of significant figures is [tex]\( 9 \, \frac{\text{g}}{\text{mL}} \)[/tex].
