If the L fuel tank reads 500, how much fuel is in the left wing?

The correct answer is 480 lbs, which suggests that the fuel quantity indicated by the sensor or gauge in the left tank does not necessarily represent the total usable fuel. Fuel gauges can sometimes show a different reading due to factors such as fuel slosh, calibration inaccuracies, or sensor malfunctions.

In this case, while the gauge reads 500, it's essential to account for potential discrepancies in measured versus actual fuel levels. The reading of 480 lbs indicates that the actual amount of usable fuel may be lower than what is displayed, which is a common scenario in aviation. Pilots and crews must always consider potential variations and ensure that fuel calculations are carefully analyzed before flight operations to prevent misunderstandings about fuel quantity, thereby promoting safety and efficiency.