Florida Fire State Practice Exam

Which type of fuel is classified as water soluble?

1. Hydrocarbon

2. Polar solvent

3. Non-polar solvent

4. Flammable liquid

The correct answer is: Polar solvent

The correct answer is polar solvent because polar solvents are characterized by their molecular structure, which allows them to dissolve in water. Polar solvents have a significant difference in electrical charge across the molecule, leading to strong intermolecular forces with water molecules. This solubility allows polar solvents to mix readily with water, which can influence their behavior during fires, such as how they react with extinguishing agents. In contrast, hydrocarbons, which are primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen, are non-polar and do not dissolve in water. Flammable liquids also do not necessarily have water solubility characteristics, as many are hydrocarbons or non-polar substances that do not interact well with water. Non-polar solvents, similar to hydrocarbons, do not have the polar characteristics needed for water solubility and thus cannot mix with water effectively.