Final answer:
The volume of the metal object is calculated by subtracting the initial water level in the graduated cylinder from the final water level after submersion, resulting in a volume of 4.6 ml.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the water level in a graduated cylinder is initially at 20.0 ml and then rises to 24.6 ml when a metal object is submerged, the volume of the metal object can be found using the water displacement method. By submerging the object into the water, the object displaces a volume of water equal to its own volume. Therefore, we can calculate the volume of the object by subtracting the initial water level from the final water level after the object has been submerged.
To find the volume of the metal object, subtract the initial water level (20.0 ml) from the final water level (24.6 ml). The resulting difference is the volume of the object.
Volume of the object = Final water level - Initial water level
Volume of the object = 24.6 ml - 20.0 ml
Volume of the object = 4.6 ml
The volume of the metal object is 4.6 ml.