When an automobile brakes, the fuel gage indicates a fuller tank than when the automobile is traveling at a constant speed on a level road. Is the sensor for the fuel gage located near the front or rear of the fuel tank? Assume a constant deceleration.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The sensor for the fuel gauge is located near the front of the fuel tank.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Physics involved

When a vehicle brakes, it experiences a deceleration. According to Newton's first law of motion, an object in motion tends to stay in motion with the same speed and direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. So, when the car decelerates, the fuel in the tank continues to move forward due to inertia.
02

The Impact on the Fuel Gauge Sensor

The fuel gauge sensor is a float. When the fuel moves forward due to inertia, the float also moves with it. If the sensor is located near the front of the fuel tank, the float rises because the fuel level near the front of the tank will be higher when the vehicle decelerates. It is understood that the fuel gauge will indicate a fuller tank when the automobile brakes, so the fuel gauge sensor must be located near the front of the fuel tank.

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