Question

Identify which balance was used to make each mass reading.

5.43 g

choose:
a,a balance with ±0.001 g tolerance
b. balance with ±0.01 g tolerance
c. balance with ±0.0001 g tolerance

Answer 1

The balance used for the mass reading of 5.43 g is one with a ±0.01 g tolerance, so the correct answer is option (b).

Step-by-step explanation:

The mass reading of 5.43 g indicates that the balance used has a tolerance or precision that can measure to at least the hundredths place. In the options provided, a balance with a ±0.01 g tolerance is capable of this level of precision, which corresponds to option (b).

Balances with tolerances of ±0.001 g or ±0.0001 g would provide even more precise measurements, leading to additional decimal places displayed. However, since the mass given is to the hundredths place, we can conclude that the balance used must have at least a ±0.01 g tolerance. Therefore, the student should choose option (b): a balance with ±0.01 g tolerance for the reported mass reading of 5.43 g.