NFPA CFPS Exam - Topic 5 Question 15 Discussion

Actual exam question for NFPA's CFPS exam

Question #: 15
Topic #: 5

[All CFPS Questions]

At what temperature do cellulose nitrate products begin to decompose?

A581 F (305 C)

B425 F (218 C)

C350 F (177 C)

D300 F (150 C)

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: D

Cellulose nitrate products begin to decompose at about 300 F (150 C). This is the temperature at which the nitrate ester bonds start to break down and release nitric acid, which further catalyzes the decomposition. The decomposition temperature depends on the nitrogen content, the stabilizers, and the external heating rate of the cellulose nitrate. Higher nitrogen content, lower stabilizer concentration, and faster heating rate lower the decomposition temperature and increase the risk of thermal runaway.

by Sunshine at Aug 18, 2025, 03:55 PM

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Melissia

6 months ago

Nope, it's definitely not 300 F (150 C).

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Blythe

7 months ago

Wait, are you sure? I thought it was lower.

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Kiley

7 months ago

Totally agree, that's the right temp!

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Marci

7 months ago

Wow, I didn't realize it was that high!

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Tula

8 months ago

It's 581 F (305 C) for cellulose nitrate decomposition.

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Wynell

8 months ago

I definitely recall something about 350 F being significant for decomposition, but I can't remember the exact details.

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Latosha

8 months ago

I feel like it might be around 425 F, but I could be mixing it up with another material.

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Cortney

8 months ago

I remember studying that it’s closer to 581 F. That seems to stick in my mind from practice questions.

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Rosio

8 months ago

I think cellulose nitrate starts to decompose around 300 F, but I'm not entirely sure.

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Carmelina

9 months ago

This is a tricky one. I'm not as familiar with the specifics of cellulose nitrate as I'd like to be. I'll have to make an educated guess and hope I can at least eliminate a couple of the options.

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Yolando

9 months ago

Okay, I think I can figure this out. Cellulose nitrate is a flammable compound, so the decomposition temperature is likely in the 300-500 F range. I'll review my notes and see if I can narrow it down further.

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Anthony

9 months ago

I'm a bit unsure about this one. I know cellulose nitrate is used in some explosives, so the decomposition temperature is probably pretty high, but I'm not sure exactly where it falls. I'll have to think it through carefully.

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Jarvis

9 months ago

Hmm, this seems like a pretty straightforward chemistry question. I'll need to think about the properties of cellulose nitrate and what temperature range it's likely to start decomposing.

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