What does the "flash point" of a flammable liquid refer to?

The term "flash point" refers specifically to the lowest temperature at which a flammable liquid will produce enough vapor to form a flammable mixture with air. This is a critical property in understanding and handling flammable substances, as it indicates the conditions under which a liquid can give rise to fire hazards. Essentially, if the temperature of the liquid reaches its flash point, there will be sufficient vapor present to ignite when exposed to an ignition source.

This definition underlines the importance of controlling the temperature of flammable liquids and highlights the need for adequate ventilation and safety measures to prevent dangerous conditions. Knowing the flash point assists in determining safe working environments and storage conditions for various flammable liquids, making it a vital concept in both safety and regulatory contexts.