What is the vapor density of ethanol?

The vapor density of a substance is defined as the mass of a certain volume of the substance in comparison to the mass of an equal volume of air. Since air has a vapor density of approximately 1.0, a vapor density greater than 1.0 indicates that the substance is heavier than air and will tend to sink in the air.

For ethanol, its vapor density is approximately 1.6. This means that when ethanol vapor is released into the atmosphere, it is denser than air and will not disperse as quickly as lighter vapors. Understanding the vapor density is crucial for firefighters and hazardous materials responders, as it influences how vapors will accumulate, potentially affecting safety and ventilation strategies.

In this context, knowing that ethanol has a vapor density of 1.6 helps firefighters anticipate its behavior in the environment, particularly in enclosed spaces where vapors may accumulate. This understanding is essential for safe handling, storage, and emergency response to incidents involving ethanol.