Final answer:
The density of the wood is approximately 1.11 g/cm³, calculated by dividing its mass of 80 g by its volume of 72 cm³. Since its density is less than that of water (1 g/cm³), the wood would float.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the density of a piece of wood, you divide its mass by its volume. The formula for density is density = mass/volume. Given that the piece of wood has a mass of 80 g and dimensions of 3 cm by 6 cm by 4 cm, its volume is 3 cm * 6 cm * 4 cm = 72 cm³. Therefore, the density of the wood is 80 g / 72 cm³, which equals approximately 1.11 g/cm³. Since this value is lower than the density of water, which is 1 g/cm³, the wood would float on water. This is because objects with a density lower than that of the liquid they are placed in will float due to the principle of buoyancy.