What is a key factor affecting the volatility of flammable substances?

The volatility of flammable substances is significantly influenced by temperature. As the temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the molecules within a substance also rises. This increase in energy allows more molecules to escape from the liquid phase into the vapor phase, thereby enhancing the rate at which vapors are generated. High volatility means that a substance can produce flammable vapors readily at lower temperatures, which is crucial for assessing explosion hazards.

Conversely, factors like humidity, ambient light conditions, and time duration of exposure do not have the same direct impact on volatility. Humidity can influence the behavior of vapors in the air but does not affect the intrinsic properties of the substance itself. Ambient light conditions may impact ignition sources but do not alter a substance’s volatility. Similarly, time duration of exposure pertains more to the concentration of vapors present rather than how volatile a substance is on its own. Understanding the role of temperature helps in evaluating the risks associated with flammable materials effectively.