49.3k views
3 votes
Flammable materials give off vapors. What is the lowest temperature that these vapors burn when a spark is applied?

1. Ambient temperature
2. Room temperature
3. Flash point
4. Ignition point

User Keyah
by
8.7k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The lowest temperature at which a flammable material's vapors will ignite is called the flash point. Different substances have different flash points, categorized from below 73 °F to above 200 °F, indicating the risk level of ignition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lowest temperature at which flammable materials' vapors will ignite when exposed to a spark is known as the flash point. A spark will not ignite the vapors at any temperature below the flash point. According to the reference information provided: Category 4 substances have a flash point below 73 °F. Category 3 substances have a flash point below 100 °F.

Category 2 substances have a flash point above 100 °F but not exceeding 200 °F. Category 1 substances have a flash point above 200 °F. Category 0 substances will not burn. Regarding safety, products with a warning such as "Store only at temperatures below 120 °F (48.8 °C). Do not incinerate." are indicating that higher temperatures may increase the pressure inside the container and exceed the flash point, posing a risk of ignition or explosion.

User Adam Krawesky
by
8.1k points