In terms of air, what is the expansion ratio of propane?

The expansion ratio of a gas refers to the volume of gas at atmospheric pressure compared to its volume as a liquid at delivery pressure. For propane, the significant expansion ratio is approximately 270:1. This means that one unit of liquid propane can expand into 270 units of gaseous propane when converted at standard atmospheric conditions.

Understanding the expansion ratio is crucial for firefighters because it highlights the potential for rapid expansion of propane when it vaporizes. This information is vital for managing hazards associated with propane leaks and understanding the behavior of the gas in different conditions.

This expansion ratio is consistent with propane's physical properties, and it helps in calculating the amount of space that propane gas can occupy, which is vital for safety assessments and planning in firefighting scenarios. Other ratios listed do not accurately reflect propane's characteristics, which is why the choice of 270:1 is correct and critical for understanding propane behavior in emergency situations.