The minimum temperature to which a material must be heated to initiate self-sustained combustion is known as what?

The minimum temperature to which a material must be heated to initiate self-sustained combustion is known as what?

• A. Flash point
• B. Fire point
• C. Ignition temperature
• D. Autoignition temperature

Answer: (C)

The term used to describe the minimum temperature at which a material must be heated to initiate self-sustained combustion is known as the autoignition temperature. This is the temperature at which a substance can ignite without an external spark or flame due to its own heat generation. Understanding this concept is crucial in safety and risk management, particularly in industries such as mining, where materials can easily reach temperatures that may lead to combustion if not managed properly. Knowing the autoignition temperature of materials helps in assessing the potential fire hazards and in implementing necessary precautions for handling and storage. The other terms, while related to combustion, refer to different points in the combustion process. For instance, the flash point is the lowest temperature at which vapors of a material can ignite when given an ignition source, and the fire point is the temperature at which there is enough vapor to sustain combustion. Ignition temperature is sometimes used interchangeably, but it typically pertains to the temperature required for a flame to ignite a vapor. Overall, understanding autoignition temperature is vital for ensuring safety in environments that handle potentially combustible materials.

The term used to describe the minimum temperature at which a material must be heated to initiate self-sustained combustion is known as the autoignition temperature. This is the temperature at which a substance can ignite without an external spark or flame due to its own heat generation.

Understanding this concept is crucial in safety and risk management, particularly in industries such as mining, where materials can easily reach temperatures that may lead to combustion if not managed properly. Knowing the autoignition temperature of materials helps in assessing the potential fire hazards and in implementing necessary precautions for handling and storage.

The other terms, while related to combustion, refer to different points in the combustion process. For instance, the flash point is the lowest temperature at which vapors of a material can ignite when given an ignition source, and the fire point is the temperature at which there is enough vapor to sustain combustion. Ignition temperature is sometimes used interchangeably, but it typically pertains to the temperature required for a flame to ignite a vapor. Overall, understanding autoignition temperature is vital for ensuring safety in environments that handle potentially combustible materials.