Discuss NFPA CFPS Exam Topic 6 Question 10

Potassium bicarbonate is a dry chemical agent considered to be twice as effective as

Asodium bicarbonate.

Bmonoammonium phosphate.

Csodium chloride.

Dpotassium sulfide.

Suggested Answer: A

Potassium bicarbonate is a dry chemical agent that is considered to be twice as effective as sodium bicarbonate in fire suppression, especially for Class B fires involving flammable liquids and gases. This is because potassium bicarbonate has a higher melting point and a lower decomposition temperature than sodium bicarbonate, which allows it to form a more stable and insulating layer on the burning surface. Potassium bicarbonate also has a lower pH and a higher specific gravity than sodium bicarbonate, which enhances its penetration and dispersion abilities 123. Reference: Dry Chemical Agents - Purple-K Powder is Purple - Chemguard; Evaluation of Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishing Standards - NFPA; Potassium bicarbonate - Wikipedia.

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35 comments · newest first

Bo 10 months ago

Really? Twice as effective? That sounds a bit exaggerated.

Doug 10 months ago

Definitely A, sodium bicarbonate can't compete.

Diane 10 months ago

Wow, I didn't know potassium bicarbonate was that powerful!

Lynelle 10 months ago

I thought monoammonium phosphate was better?

Derick 10 months ago

Potassium bicarbonate is indeed more effective than sodium bicarbonate!

Marica 11 months ago

I vaguely remember that potassium bicarbonate is used in some fire extinguishers, but I can't remember the exact comparison with the other options listed.

Scarlet 11 months ago

I feel like sodium bicarbonate is the most common one we discussed, but I can't recall if potassium bicarbonate is really better.

Hillary 11 months ago

I remember practicing a question about fire extinguishing agents, and I think monoammonium phosphate was mentioned as a good alternative.

Ashlyn 11 months ago

I think potassium bicarbonate is often compared to sodium bicarbonate, but I'm not entirely sure if it's actually twice as effective.

Twana 12 months ago

I'm pretty confident I can solve this. I just need to recall what I know about the effectiveness of these chemical agents and make a logical comparison.

Rasheeda 12 months ago

Wait, what's the difference between sodium bicarbonate and monoammonium phosphate? I'm a little confused on the specifics here.

Brittni 12 months ago

Okay, I've got this. Potassium bicarbonate is a dry chemical agent, so that's a good start. Now I just need to figure out how it compares to the other options.

Gary 1 year ago

Hmm, I'm not too familiar with these specific chemicals. I'll have to think through the properties and uses of each one to determine which is most effective.

Beth 1 year ago

This seems like a straightforward chemistry question. I'll need to compare the effectiveness of the different chemical agents mentioned.

Sabra 1 year ago

Potassium bicarbonate, the baking soda on steroids. This question is a real blast from the past!

Idella 1 year ago

Potassium sulfide? That sounds like something you'd find in a toxic waste dump. I'll take the safe bet on B.

Matthew 1 year ago

↳ replying to Idella

I think I'll go with A, sodium bicarbonate, just to be safe.

Giuseppe 1 year ago

↳ replying to Idella

I've heard that potassium bicarbonate is more effective than sodium chloride.

Mendy 1 year ago

↳ replying to Idella

I'm not sure, but I think sodium bicarbonate is the correct answer.

Emiko 1 year ago

↳ replying to Idella

I agree, potassium sulfide does sound dangerous. I think B is the safer option.

Clorinda 1 year ago

Monoammonium phosphate? What is this, a chemistry lab? I'm sticking with the classic potassium bicarbonate.

Rupert 1 year ago

I'm pretty sure it's not sodium chloride. That's just plain old table salt. Gotta go with A on this one.

Danica 1 year ago

↳ replying to Rupert

Potassium bicarbonate is definitely more effective than sodium bicarbonate.

Ozell 1 year ago

↳ replying to Rupert

I agree, sodium chloride is just table salt.

Laurene 1 year ago

↳ replying to Rupert

A) sodium bicarbonate is the correct answer.

Willard 1 year ago

↳ replying to Rupert

Yeah, sodium chloride is just table salt. Sodium bicarbonate is definitely more effective.

Valda 1 year ago

↳ replying to Rupert

I agree, sodium bicarbonate is the way to go.

Cecilia 1 year ago

That's a good point, I didn't consider that. I think you might be right.

Brock 1 year ago

But potassium bicarbonate is a potassium compound, so it makes sense that the answer would be D) potassium sulfide.

Cecilia 1 year ago

I disagree, I believe the answer is B) monoammonium phosphate.

Melinda 1 year ago

Potassium bicarbonate is definitely more effective than sodium bicarbonate. It's like the Hulk vs. Puny Banner!

Micaela 1 year ago

↳ replying to Melinda

Yeah, potassium bicarbonate is the real deal when it comes to fire extinguishing agents.

Leslie 1 year ago

↳ replying to Melinda

I agree, it's like comparing a superhero to a regular guy.

Moon 1 year ago

↳ replying to Melinda

Potassium bicarbonate is like the Hulk, definitely more effective than sodium bicarbonate!

Brock 1 year ago

I think the answer is A) sodium bicarbonate.

NFPA CFPS Exam - Topic 6 Question 10 Discussion