Final answer:
The pressure exerted on the bottom of a full gas tank is calculated using the formula P = F/A. With the weight of the gasoline at 490 N and the area of the tank bottom at 0.45 m2, the pressure comes out to approximately 1089 Pa.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the pressure exerted on the bottom of a gas tank by the weight of the gasoline when it is full, you can use the formula for pressure (P) which is P = F/A, where F is the force in Newtons (N) and A is the area in square meters (m2).
First, calculate the weight of the gasoline in Newtons by multiplying the mass (50.0 kg) by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2), which gives us a force of 490 N. Next, calculate the area of the tank's bottom by multiplying its width (0.500 m) by its length (0.900 m), resulting in an area of 0.45 m2. Finally, divide the total force by the area to find the pressure: 490 N / 0.45 m2 equals approximately 1089 Pascal (Pa).