What is typically required for an ignition source to be effective?

An effective ignition source must be able to reach a temperature that is greater than the ignition point of the fuel in order for combustion to occur. The ignition point (or ignition temperature) is the minimum temperature required to ignite a material without an external flame or spark. If the ignition source is not hot enough to exceed this temperature, the fuel will not ignite, regardless of its other properties or conditions.

The requirement for the ignition source to exceed the ignition temperature ensures that the energy provided is sufficient to initiate the chemical reaction of combustion. This principle is critical when examining fire dynamics and understanding how different substances ignite under various conditions. It underscores the importance of temperature in the ignition process and the role of thermal energy in fire investigations.