Final answer:
The total mass supported by the stem of the flower when a bee sits on it is calculated by adding the mass of the bee and the flower together, and then reporting the answer to the same number of significant figures as the least precise measurement. The correct total mass is 0.0124 kg.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the total mass supported by the stem of the flower when a bee sits on it, we simply add the mass of the bee to the mass of the flower. In this case, the mass of the bee is 0.000087 kg and the mass of the flower is 0.0123 kg. When we add these together, the sum is 0.012387 kg.
To report the total mass with the correct number of significant figures, we must look at the least precise measurement, which in this case is the mass of the flower with four significant figures. Hence, the answer is rounded off to match the least precise measurement (0.0123 kg), resulting in 0.0124 kg.
To find the total mass supported by the stem of the flower, we need to add the masses of the bee and the flower together. The bee has a mass of 0.000087 kg and the flower has a mass of 0.0123 kg. By adding these values, we get a total mass of 0.012387 kg. Rounding this to the appropriate significant figures, the total mass supported by the stem of the flower is 0.0124 kg (option C).
Therefore, the correct option is: C. 0.0124 kg.