Which laboratory tool would be most appropriate for measuring the mass of a package being mailed?

• A. Graduated cylinder
• B. Balance
• C. Thermometer
• D. Buret

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the property you need to measure: mass is the amount of matter in an object, and it is measured in units like grams or kilograms.
2. Identify the tools listed and their primary uses: a graduated cylinder measures volume (liquid capacity), a thermometer measures temperature, a buret measures precise volumes of liquid, and a balance measures mass.
3. Recall that to measure mass directly, the appropriate tool is a balance, which can give you the weight or mass of an object accurately.
4. Recognize that the other tools (graduated cylinder, thermometer, buret) are not designed to measure mass, so they are not suitable for this task.
5. Conclude that the balance is the most appropriate laboratory tool for measuring the mass of a package being mailed.