Please read the following table in Markdown format and then answer the question according to the table. Table cells in one row are seperated by '|', and different rows are seperated by '
'.

Table:
|  | lab equipment |  | purpose |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A(n) | notebook | is used to | record observations |
| A(n) | Bunsen burner; hot plate | is used to | heat materials; sterilize materials |
| A(n) | pencil; pen | is used to | write observations; draw graphs |
| A(n) | ruler; meter stick; measuring tape | is used to | measure the length of an object |
| A(n) | pair of goggles | is used to | protect one's eyes from chemicals and fumes |
| A(n) | fire extinguisher | is used to | put out fires |
| A(n) | triple beam balance; scale; balance; spring scale | is used to | find the weight of an object |
| A(n) | magnifying glass; microscope | is used to | make small objects appear larger |
| A(n) | match | is used to | lighting a flame; setting an object on fire |
| A(n) | compass | is used to | determine direction; orient the user; navigate |
| A(n) | glove | is used to | protect one's hand from chemicals and heat |
| A(n) | magnet | is used to | determine magnetism |
| A(n) | timer; stopwatch; watch; clock | is used to | keep time; time an event |
| A(n) | beaker | is used to | measure liquid; mixing liquids; heating liquids |
| A(n) | collecting net | is used to | collect specimens |
Question:
Which piece of equipment is used to measure the length of an object? Select the correct choice to answer the question or fill in the blank.
Choices:
(A) notebook
(B) pencil
(C) compass
(D) ruler
Answer:
(D) ruler