What happens to the fuel in a tank during a temperature change?

When the temperature changes, the fuel in a tank experiences thermal expansion or contraction, which is a fundamental physical property of liquids. As temperature increases, fuel molecules gain energy and move apart, causing the liquid to expand. Conversely, when the temperature decreases, the molecules lose energy, move closer together, and the liquid contracts.

This property is crucial for tank setters to understand because improper accounting for temperature changes can lead to overfilling or underfilling of tanks, which can cause operational issues, safety concerns, or financial losses. Knowledge of how fuel behaves during temperature fluctuations helps ensure that tanks are designed and operated safely and efficiently, maintaining the appropriate levels and minimizing waste or overflow.