Which material is the least likely to burn?

Selecting metal as the material least likely to burn is grounded in the fundamental properties of materials in relation to fire. Metals have high melting points and are generally non-combustible. Unlike organic materials like wood, plastic, and paper, which can ignite and sustain combustion due to their organic composition, metals do not readily undergo combustion.

For example, metals such as steel or aluminum require extremely high temperatures to even start melting, and they do not produce flammable vapors which contribute to combustion. The other materials listed—wood, plastic, and paper—are all organic substances that can catch fire relatively easily and burn with a flame, as they contain carbon, which facilitates combustion.

In fire safety and prevention, understanding the different combustion properties of materials is crucial, particularly in evaluating fire hazards and implementing safety measures in environments where fire risks are present.