2006-07-15 13:28:31 · 4 answers · asked by christine2550@sbcglobal.net 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Enough air to cause an explosion witch is 80% oxygen.
2006-07-15 13:30:30 · update #1
It doesn't unless the tank is opened or breached.
Most fuels vaporize easily, as the fuel is drawn out the space will fill with vapors. The vent is for releasing excess pressure. try this drink from a bottle of coke and see how much you can drink without breaking the seal.
2006-07-15 13:35:19 · answer #1 · answered by Sleeping Troll 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The fuel tanks are vented. All tanks are, including your car's. If the weren't the pumping of fuel would eventually stop because of the vacuum. Try this experiment: see how much water you can drink out of a plastic bottle without breaking the seal between the bottle and your mouth. That suction would eventually overwhelm any pump without equalization.
2006-07-15 13:33:35 · answer #2 · answered by badslaw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possibly a leak, and because of I believe it is Pascal's law, pressure in a confined body (the atmosphere) acts equally in all directions. The gas tank is sealed, so no air can get in. That creates a low pressure zone which violates this law, and the air forces it's way in in any way possible. Of course, the average 26.3 or so PSI contained in the atmosphere isn't enough to deform the gas tank from the outside, but leaks will allow that small pressure in. I hope that I helped.
2006-07-15 13:33:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vent lines are designed on all fuel tanks. (except nascar and small aircraft, they use rubber bladders) As the fuel or gas level drops the force draws air in from the applied vent line. In a car the vent line is located next to the fill tube.
2006-07-15 13:35:40 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋