Final answer:
The average density of the full gasoline can is calculated by combining the masses of the can and gasoline and dividing by the volume of gasoline. The calculation based on given figures results in a density of 875 kg/m³, which is not among the provided choices, suggesting there might be an error in the question's details.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking how to calculate the average density of a full gasoline can. To find the density of the gasoline can, we need to consider both the mass of the gasoline and the mass of the steel can. The density (ρ) is the mass (m) divided by the volume (V), so ρ = m / V. First, we calculate the total mass by adding the mass of the gasoline can (2.50 kg) to the mass of the gasoline (since the density of gasoline is approximately 0.75 kg/L, for 20.0 L we have 20.0 L × 0.75 kg/L = 15.00 kg). This gives us a total mass of 17.50 kg. Since the question assumes the gasoline occupies the entire volume of the can, we use the volume of the gasoline (20.0 L, which is equal to 0.020 m³ since 1 L = 0.001 m³) to find the average density. Therefore, the average density is 17.50 kg / 0.020 m³ = 875 kg/m³. However, this result is not an option in the question, indicating a possibility that the question text contains a typo or calculation error. Based on the given options, none of them match the correct calculation. The student should confirm the question details and the weights or volumes provided.