A student measures the same mass five times on a digital balance.
Which statement about measurement precision is supported by the data?
- The balance resolution is 0.1 g because values vary by 0.1.
- The balance resolution is 0.001 g because values report three decimals. (correct answer)
- The balance is inaccurate because the readings are not identical.
- The balance resolution is 1 g because the mass is about 2.5 g.
Explanation: Each measurement reports to the thousandths place (three decimal places), indicating the digital balance has 0.001 g resolution. The consistent decimal places across all trials demonstrate the instrument's precision capability, not measurement error. Choice B correctly identifies the balance resolution based on the displayed decimal places. The small variation between readings (2.499-2.502 g) represents normal measurement uncertainty within the instrument's precision.