Explanation:

- The volume of a cube is calculated as side length cubed (V = a³).

- Given volume = 512 cm³.

- To find the side length, calculate the cube root of 512.

- The cube root of 512 is 8.

Option 1: 9 cm

- When cubed, 9 x 9 x 9 = 729 cm³, which is too much.

Option 2: 8 cm

- Cubing 8: 8 x 8 x 8 = 512 cm³, matches the given volume.

Option 3: 6 cm

- When cubed, 6 x 6 x 6 = 216 cm³, too little.

Option 4: 12 cm

- When cubed, 12 x 12 x 12 = 1,728 cm³, way too much.