Final answer:
To find the volume of the rock, the rise in water level in the graduated cylinder after the rock was submerged is observed. Subtracting the initial volume of water (3 mL) from the final volume (5 mL) gives a rock volume of 2 mL, which is answer B. 2 mL.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the volume of the rock that Abby dropped into the graduated cylinder, we use the water displacement method. Initially, the cylinder contained 3 mL of water. After placing the rock in the cylinder, the water level rose to the 5 mL mark. The increase in water level is due to the volume of the rock.
Therefore, the volume of the rock can be calculated by subtracting the initial water level from the final water level.
The initial water level was 3 mL, and the final water level is 5 mL.
Volume of the rock = Final water level - Initial water level
Volume of the rock = 5 mL - 3 mL
Volume of the rock = 2 mL
The correct answer is B. 2 mL.