Final answer:
To calculate the force exerted on the base of the tank due to the oil, multiply the weight of the oil by the acceleration due to gravity. The weight can be calculated by multiplying the mass of the oil by the acceleration due to gravity. The mass can be found by multiplying the density of the oil by its volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the force exerted on the base of the tank due to the oil, we need to determine the weight of the oil. Weight is equal to the mass of an object multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity. In this case, the mass of the oil can be found by multiplying the density of the oil by its volume. The volume of the oil can be calculated by multiplying the area of the base of the tank by the depth of the oil. Finally, the force can be calculated by multiplying the weight of the oil by the acceleration due to gravity.
Weight = mass * acceleration due to gravity
Mass = density * volume
Volume = area * depth
Force = weight * acceleration due to gravity
Substituting the given values, we have:
Density = 800 kg/m³,
Area = 2.5 m²,
Depth = 1.2 m,
Acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s².
Plugging these values into the equations, we get:
Volume = 2.5 m² * 1.2 m = 3 m³
Mass = 800 kg/m³ * 3 m³ = 2400 kg
Weight = 2400 kg * 9.8 m/s² = 23520 N
Force = 23520 N * 9.8 m/s² = 230016 N
Therefore, the force exerted on the base of the tank due to the oil is 230016 Newtons.