By definition, a liquid with a flash point less than 140 degrees F is called which?

By definition, a liquid with a flash point less than 140 degrees F is called which?

• A. Combustible
• B. Nonflammable
• C. Volatile
• D. Flammable

Answer: (D)

A liquid is considered flammable when its flash point is below 140°F because it can emit ignitable vapors at relatively low temperatures. The flash point is the lowest temperature at which the liquid’s vapors can ignite in air in the presence of an ignition source. If the flash point is under 140°F, ignition is possible with modest heating or even under normal conditions, so the liquid is labeled flammable. If the flash point were at or above 140°F, it would be classified as combustible, meaning it requires higher temperatures to form ignitable vapors. Volatile relates to how readily a substance evaporates (vapor pressure) but isn’t itself a fire-classification boundary. Nonflammable describes liquids that do not ignite under typical conditions. Since this liquid has a flash point below 140°F, it is flammable.

A liquid is considered flammable when its flash point is below 140°F because it can emit ignitable vapors at relatively low temperatures. The flash point is the lowest temperature at which the liquid’s vapors can ignite in air in the presence of an ignition source. If the flash point is under 140°F, ignition is possible with modest heating or even under normal conditions, so the liquid is labeled flammable. If the flash point were at or above 140°F, it would be classified as combustible, meaning it requires higher temperatures to form ignitable vapors. Volatile relates to how readily a substance evaporates (vapor pressure) but isn’t itself a fire-classification boundary. Nonflammable describes liquids that do not ignite under typical conditions. Since this liquid has a flash point below 140°F, it is flammable.