Certified Fire Investigator Practice Exam

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What is the melting point of plastic?

338 F
1350 F
1221 F
1000 F

The correct answer is: 338 F

The melting point of plastic varies widely depending on its specific type and composition, as there are many kinds of plastics, each with different thermal properties. The correct answer reflects the melting point of one common type of plastic, which is polyethylene. For polyethylene, the melting point is around 338°F. Each type of plastic has different melting points based on its molecular structure and the additives used during production. For example, some plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene have different melting points that can be significantly higher than 338°F. It is essential in fire investigations to recognize specific melting points because the burned or melted characteristics of plastics can aid in determining the fire's origins and progression. Understanding these concepts is critical for a certified fire investigator during the evaluation of fire scenes.