As an expert in the field of combustion science, I am well-versed in the properties and behaviors of various fuels, including jet fuel and gasoline. The question of whether jet fuel is more explosive than gasoline is a complex one, involving a variety of factors such as the chemical composition, volatility, ignition temperature, and the conditions under which the fuels are exposed to an ignition source.

Jet fuel, commonly referred to as Jet A or Jet A-1, is a type of aviation fuel designed for use in aircraft powered by gas-turbine engines. It is a kerosene-based fuel, which is a hydrocarbon with a high flash point and low volatility. This means that under normal conditions, jet fuel does not readily evaporate and form a flammable or explosive mixture with air. The low volatility is a safety feature that reduces the risk of accidental ignition or explosion.

However, when jet fuel is subjected to extreme conditions, such as a plane crash, the situation changes dramatically. The impact can cause the fuel to vaporize, creating a flammable mixture that, when exposed to an ignition source, can result in a rapid and intense combustion. This is one of the reasons why jet fuel is often perceived as being more explosive than gasoline under certain circumstances.

On the other hand, gasoline, which is a lighter and more volatile fuel, is more prone to evaporate and form explosive vapors at lower temperatures. Gasoline has a lower flash point, meaning it can ignite more easily than jet fuel under normal conditions. However, the combustion temperature of gasoline is generally lower than that of jet fuel. When gasoline burns, it does so at a lower temperature, which can result in a less intense and shorter-lived flame compared to jet fuel.

The reference to the events of November 15, 2001, likely pertains to a specific incident involving a plane crash, where the behavior of jet fuel under extreme conditions was a factor. It is important to note that the perception of jet fuel being more explosive is often tied to such high-impact scenarios where the fuel is subjected to forces that can cause it to ignite and burn in a manner that is more dramatic than gasoline.

In summary, while jet fuel is less volatile and has a higher flash point than gasoline, making it less likely to ignite under normal conditions, it can burn at a higher temperature and produce a more intense flame when it does ignite, especially in the event of an impact that vaporizes the fuel. This combination of factors can lead to the perception that jet fuel is more explosive than gasoline, although the reality is more nuanced and depends on the specific conditions present.

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Jet A fuel has such a low volatility that at normal temperatures it gives off very little vapor and does not form flammable or explosive fuel/air mixtures. But when the plane impacts and vaporizes the fuel it is very eaisly ignited. Also when Jet fuel burns it burns much hotter than gasoline.Nov 15, 2001read more >>