What distinguishes a tabletop balance from an analytical balance?

A tabletop balance is distinguished from an analytical balance primarily by its measurement capabilities and the level of precision it offers. The correct choice highlights that a tabletop balance typically measures mass in grams, making it suitable for a broader range of laboratory applications where high precision is not critical.

In contrast, analytical balances are designed to measure mass with greater accuracy, usually in milligram increments or even smaller. This ability to detect minute changes in mass makes analytical balances essential for precision tasks that demand high sensitivity, such as preparing chemical solutions or measuring small quantities of reactants.

Tabletop balances are generally used for weighing larger samples, but they do not possess the fine calibration that analytical balances offer. This distinction emphasizes that while both types of balances serve important roles in the lab, the tabletop balance is equipped for less delicate measurements compared to the precision instruments typically utilized for scientific research and experimentations.