Which laboratory tool is most suitable for a chemist to measure the mass of a liquid?

• A. Graduated cylinder
• B. Analytical balance
• C. Erlenmeyer flask
• D. Buret

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between measuring mass and measuring volume. Mass is the amount of matter in an object, while volume is the amount of space it occupies.
2. Identify that a graduated cylinder, Erlenmeyer flask, and buret are all designed to measure volume, not mass. They are used to measure the volume of liquids in milliliters (mL).
3. Recognize that to measure the mass of a liquid, you need a tool that can measure weight or mass directly, such as a balance.
4. Know that an analytical balance is a highly sensitive instrument used in laboratories to measure mass with great precision, often to the nearest 0.0001 grams.
5. Therefore, the most suitable laboratory tool for measuring the mass of a liquid is the analytical balance, where you would typically weigh a container before and after adding the liquid to find the mass of the liquid by difference.