What is the temperature range at which a substance will ignite called?

The temperature range at which a substance will ignite is referred to as the flash point. The flash point is the lowest temperature at which the vapor of the substance can form an ignitable mixture with air. It is a critical parameter in assessing the fire hazards of flammable liquids and materials. When a substance reaches its flash point, it produces enough vapor to ignite if an ignition source is present. This concept is vital for firefighters and safety professionals when handling chemicals and managing fire risks effectively.

In contrast, the boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid turns into vapor, which is not directly associated with the ignition of that substance. The ignition point typically refers to the temperature at which combustion starts but is not a standard term used to denote the temperature range for ignition as defined by flash point. The fire point, while related, is the temperature at which a material not only ignites but also continues to burn for a certain period, implying that it is higher than the flash point. Understanding these definitions and their distinctions is essential for proper fire safety management.