What is the term for the minimum temperature at which a fuel will ignite and continue to burn?

The term for the minimum temperature at which a fuel ignites and continues to burn is known as the ignition temperature. This temperature is critical because it represents the point at which a substance can produce enough heat to sustain combustion without an external flame or spark.

Understanding ignition temperature is vital for fire safety and prevention, as it helps in assessing the flammability of various materials. When a material reaches its ignition temperature, the heat produced by its reactions is sufficient to overcome the heat lost to its surroundings, allowing the combustion process to continue. This concept is crucial for fire safety inspectors who evaluate the fire risks associated with materials in various settings.

In contrast, the flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air. The auto-ignition temperature refers to the minimum temperature needed for a substance to ignite spontaneously without an external heat source. The combustion temperature would generally refer to the temperature at which combustion occurs but is not a standard term used in this context. Thus, the ignition temperature accurately describes the critical point of sustained combustion.