Final answer:
In firefighting, the volume of water being used is more important than excess pressure. Balancing pressure and flow rate is crucial to effectively fight fires.
Step-by-step explanation:
When fighting a fire, the volume of water being used is generally more important than any excess in pressure. This is because the flow rate, or volume per unit time, determines the amount of water that can reach the seat of the fire. Even if there is excess pressure, if there is not enough water flow, the fire may not be extinguished effectively.
For example, if you have a high pressure hose with a small opening (nozzle), the water will come out at a high speed, but the volume of water may be low. On the other hand, a larger hose with a wider opening will have a higher flow rate, allowing more water to reach the fire.
Therefore, it is important to balance both pressure and flow rate to effectively fight fires.