Why does fire impinging on the vapor space of a container stress the container more? The vapors _________ but cannot escape their container.

Why does fire impinging on the vapor space of a container stress the container more? The vapors _________ but cannot escape their container.

• A. Expand
• B. Contract
• C. Condense
• D. Ignite

Answer: (A)

Heat from the fire raises the temperature of the vapor in the headspace. Gases expand when heated, and in a closed container the volume cannot increase, so the pressure inside climbs. That higher pressure puts more stress on the container walls and can lead to rupture. Vapors expand but cannot escape their container.

Heat from the fire raises the temperature of the vapor in the headspace. Gases expand when heated, and in a closed container the volume cannot increase, so the pressure inside climbs. That higher pressure puts more stress on the container walls and can lead to rupture. Vapors expand but cannot escape their container.