Final answer:
The absolute pressure in the tank is calculated by adding the atmospheric pressure (converted from 29.1 in Hg to psi) to the gauge pressure, which results in an absolute pressure of 64.29 psi.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks to determine the absolute pressure in a tank when a pressure gauge reads 50 psi and the barometric reading is 29.1 in Hg. To calculate the absolute pressure, we need to convert the barometric reading from inches of mercury (in Hg) to pounds per square inch (psi) and then add it to the gauge pressure.
First, we convert the atmospheric pressure from in Hg to psi using the conversion factor, where 1 in Hg is approximately equal to 0.491 psi:
Atmospheric pressure = 29.1 in Hg * 0.491 psi/in Hg = 14.29 psi
Now, we add the atmospheric pressure to the gauge pressure to find the absolute pressure:
Absolute pressure = Gauge pressure + Atmospheric pressure = 50 psi + 14.29 psi = 64.29 psi
Therefore, the absolute pressure inside the tank is 64.29 psi.