What does the term "flash point" refer to?

The term "flash point" refers to the lowest temperature at which a flammable liquid can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air. This means that at the flash point, enough vapor is produced that the mixture can ignite if an ignition source is present. Understanding flash point is crucial for safety in handling flammable liquids because it helps determine the conditions under which a liquid can pose a fire hazard.

In various applications, including firefighting and storage of hazardous materials, knowing the flash point allows personnel to assess risks and implement appropriate safety measures, ensuring that flammable materials are stored and handled at temperatures lower than their flash point to minimize the risk of ignition.