What is the term for the lowest temperature at which a liquid can give off vapors that may ignite?

The term for the lowest temperature at which a liquid can give off vapors that may ignite is known as the flash point. This is a critical concept in safety and chemical engineering because it helps determine the flammability of liquids. At the flash point, there is a sufficient concentration of vapor in the air that, when exposed to an ignition source, can result in combustion.

In contrast, the boiling point refers to the temperature at which a liquid turns into vapor, which occurs at a higher temperature than the flash point. The freezing point indicates the temperature at which a liquid solidifies, and vapor point is less commonly used and may refer to the temperature at which a substance transitions between phases. Understanding the flash point is essential for handling and storing flammable materials safely to prevent fire hazards.