Final answer:
Gravity refueling results in achieving a lesser volume of fuel in tanks compared to pressure refueling. This is because overwing filler points are below the tank's highest point, thus limiting the volume of fuel when relying solely on gravity. This topic involves understanding principles of fluid dynamics and the gravitational force.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the differences in volume achieved by gravity refueling versus pressure refueling for aircraft fuel tanks. Gravity refueling, which relies on the force of gravity to fill the tank, will typically achieve less fuel volume compared to pressure refueling. This is due to the placement of the overwing filler points, which are generally lower than the highest point of the fuel tanks. The elevation difference results in a lower capacity being reached when using gravity refueling because the filler point becomes the limiting factor to the flow of fuel if it is located below the tank's maximum fill level.
Understanding the influence of gravity in refueling is an application of physics principles, specifically those related to fluid dynamics and gravitational force. When estimating the energy potential of gasoline, it is necessary to consider its high energy density and the inefficiency of thermal energy conversion in engines, which typically do not exceed 25%, compared to near-total efficiency in utilizing gravitational potential energy.
For example, the pressure exerted on the bottom of a fuel tank can be determined by considering the weight of the gasoline and the area of the tank bottom. Similarly, the density of substances like oil and water play a crucial role in explaining how an oil tanker's buoyancy changes when loaded versus when it's empty.