AICE Chemistry Practice Exam

The property that makes chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) suitable as refrigerants is non-flammability. CFCs are chemically stable and do not ignite easily, which is a crucial characteristic for substances used in refrigeration systems. This stability contributes to their safety during use, as they do not pose a significant fire hazard in the environment where refrigeration systems operate.

Other properties, such as reactivity, high toxicity, and strong odor, would not make substances suitable for use as refrigerants. A refrigerant should ideally be chemically inert to avoid reactions that could compromise the refrigeration cycle or safety. High toxicity would introduce health risks, making the refrigerant unsafe for use in households or industries. Finally, a strong odor would make the presence of the refrigerant detectable, leading to discomfort or alarm when leaks occur, further contributing to potential safety issues. Thus, non-flammability emerged as the key property that renders CFCs effective and safe for refrigeration applications.