Among common refinery fuels—diesel, kerosene, petrol (gasoline), and furnace oil—identify which typically exhibits the lowest flash point (highest volatility).
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ADiesel
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BFurnace oil
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CPetrol (gasoline)
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DKerosene
Answer
Correct Answer: Petrol (gasoline)
Explanation
Introduction:Flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid emits sufficient vapour to form an ignitable mixture near the surface. Lighter, more volatile fuels have lower flash points.Given Data / Assumptions:
- Compare diesel, kerosene, petrol, and furnace oil.
- Typical refinery specifications and volatility profiles apply.
Concept / Approach:Volatility order: petrol (most volatile) < kerosene < diesel < furnace oil (least volatile). Therefore, petrol has the lowest flash point among the listed fuels.Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Recall boiling range/volatility hierarchy.2) Link higher volatility to lower flash point.3) Conclude petrol (gasoline) has the lowest flash point.Verification / Alternative check:Standard tables list petrol flash points well below those of kerosene/diesel/furnace oil, consistent with its light distillation range.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Diesel: heavier than kerosene/petrol; higher flash point.Kerosene: intermediate volatility; flash point above petrol.Furnace oil: heaviest listed; highest flash point.Common Pitfalls:Confusing autoignition temperature (intrinsic) with flash point (vapour formation threshold).
Final Answer:Petrol (gasoline)