Perform this operation and report the answer to the correct number of significant figures: What is the mass of a cube of aluminum that is 4.0 cm on each edge? The density of aluminum is 2.7 g/cm^3. Show all calculations leading to an answer.

The answer is 172.8 g.

The volume of the cube (V) is:

V = a³ (a - the side of the cube)

The density (D) is quotient of mass (m) and volume (V):

D = m/V = m/a ³

⇒ m = D · a³

It is given:

D = 2.7 g/cm ³

a = 4 cm

Therefore:

m = D · a³ = 2.7 · 4³ = 172.8 g