When considering precise mass measurements in chemistry, which of the following recorded values correctly reflects the use of significant figures for a balance with a precision of 0.01 g?

• A. 12.3456 g
• B. 12.345 g
• C. 12.3 g
• D. 12.34 g

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the precision of the balance is 0.01 g, which means the balance can reliably measure mass to the hundredths place.
2. Recognize that the number of significant figures should reflect the precision of the instrument; values should be reported to the nearest 0.01 g.
3. Evaluate each given value to see if it matches the precision: 12.3456 g has precision to 0.0001 g (too precise), 12.345 g to 0.001 g (too precise), 12.3 g to 0.1 g (not precise enough), and 12.34 g to 0.01 g (matches the balance precision).
4. Conclude that the value 12.34 g correctly reflects the balance's precision and the appropriate number of significant figures.
5. Remember that reporting more digits than the instrument's precision implies false accuracy, while fewer digits imply loss of useful information.