Final answer:
The average density of a full gas can, including the mass of the steel and the gasoline, is 0.865 kg/L, calculated by dividing the total mass (17.3 kg) by the total volume (20.0 L).
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the average density of a full gas can, considering it includes both the steel of the can and the gasoline, we must consider the total mass and the total volume occupied by both substances. If a 2.50-kg steel gasoline can holds 20.0 L of gasoline when full, the total mass is the mass of the steel can plus the mass of the gasoline contained in it.
To find the mass of the gasoline, we use the density of gasoline, which is approximately 0.74 kg/L. Multiplying this density by the volume of gasoline gives us the mass of the gasoline:
Mass of gasoline = 0.74 kg/L * 20.0 L = 14.8 kg
The total mass of the full gas can = mass of steel can + mass of gasoline = 2.50 kg + 14.8 kg = 17.3 kg
The total volume of the gas can is the volume occupied by the gasoline, as we assume the steel's thickness is negligible, or it is accounted for in the 20.0 L volume measurement. In this case, the total volume is 20.0 L.
To find the average density, we divide the total mass by the total volume:
Average density = Total mass / Total volume
Average density = 17.3 kg / 20.0 L
Average density = 0.865 kg/L
Therefore, taking into account the volume occupied by both steel and gasoline, the average density of the full gas can is 0.865 kg/L.