Fuel Types and Characteristics

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Questions and Answers

What is one way to avoid the mixing of extinguishing agent with burning liquid?

Use alcohol-resistant fire fighting foams

How do different solids react when exposed to heat?

Wood and plastics will not melt

At what temperature does pyrolysis of wood typically begin?

Below 400°F (204°C)

Which material is commonly used in upholstered furniture?

Flexible polyurethane foam Signup and view all the answers

Why does the surface-to-mass ratio of fuel affect how easily it ignites?

It exposes more material to heat and generates combustible products more quickly Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fuel does not contain carbon?

Hydrogen Signup and view all the answers

What physical states of matter can a fuel be found in?

Gas, liquid, and solid Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between organic and inorganic fuels?

Organic fuels contain carbon, while inorganic do not Signup and view all the answers

How is power defined in the context of fire behavior?

Rate at which energy is transferred Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for flaming combustion to occur with fuels?

Presence in gaseous state Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum temperature required for a liquid to give off sufficient vapors to ignite, but not sustain combustion?

Flash point Signup and view all the answers

Why do flammable liquids with high vapor pressure present a special hazard to firefighters?

They evaporate easily Signup and view all the answers

What is the ratio of the mass of a given volume of liquid compared to the mass of an equal volume of water at the same temperature called?

Specific gravity Signup and view all the answers

What does the flash point of a liquid fuel indicate?

Ease of ignition with a flame source Signup and view all the answers

Why are liquids such as gasoline considered difficult to extinguish using water alone?

They are less dense than water Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration when it comes to the surface-to-mass ratio of a fuel?

The surface area of the fuel in proportion to its mass Signup and view all the answers

How does the orientation of a sheet of 1/8-inch plywood paneling affect the way the fuel burns?

It causes more rapid burning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials does NOT react by melting when exposed to heat?

Wood Signup and view all the answers

What happens when wood first heats up according to the text?

It pyrolizes and decomposes into volatile components and carbon Signup and view all the answers

Why are flexible polyurethane foam and other synthetic materials significant in home construction?

They are common materials that can contribute to fire hazards Signup and view all the answers

What is a more accurate description of fire when it is fully developed?

Fire has grown as much as it can Signup and view all the answers

In fuel-limited fires, what role does available fuel play?

Limits the peak heat release rate Signup and view all the answers

What happens in a compartment fire that is already ventilation-limited when additional ventilation points are added?

The fire reaches a new peak heat release rate Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario does fuel-limited full development commonly occur?

Wildland fires Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the outcomes when a fire runs out of available fuel or oxygen?

Fire will extinguish and decay Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of introducing new oxygen to a ventilation-limited fire?

To allow the fire to reenter the growth stage Signup and view all the answers

When does a fuel-limited fire usually enter the decay stage?

When all available fuel is consumed Signup and view all the answers

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