Final answer:
The primary parameters used to characterize a vapor explosion are the maximum pressure and the deflagration index, both related to the intensity of the explosion. Vapor pressure is central to understanding explosions, as it affects the boiling point and the behavior of a substance under changing temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary parameters used to characterize a vapor explosion are both the maximum pressure and the deflagration index. The maximum pressure refers to the highest pressure exerted by a fluid in an enclosed space during the explosion. The deflagration index relates to the speed at which the combustion wave propagates through the vapor. In the context of vapor explosions, these parameters are crucial in understanding the intensity and the potential damage caused by such an event.
Vapor pressure plays a significant role in this process; it is the pressure at which a gas coexists with its solid or liquid phase. A positive deviation indicates that the vapor pressure is greater than predicted, leading potentially to a more forceful explosion, while a negative deviation signifies a vapor pressure that is less than predicted.
The boiling point is defined as the temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the pressure of the gas above it. Factors contributing to vapor pressure include the temperature increase, which raises the vapor pressure, and the strength of intermolecular forces within the liquid which, when stronger, tend to decrease the vapor pressure.