How much heavier are gasoline vapors compared to air?

Gasoline vapors are indeed heavier than air, which plays a crucial role in understanding how they behave in the environment. The correct answer indicates that gasoline vapors are 3 to 4 times heavier than air. This property is important for safety and handling because heavier-than-air vapors can accumulate in low-lying areas, posing a risk of fire or explosion if ignited.

In practical terms, knowing that gasoline vapors are significantly denser than air assists technicians in identifying potential hazards in the workplace or during fuel transfer operations. It influences ventilation strategies, as good airflow is required to disperse these vapors and prevent dangerous concentrations.

The notion that vapors could be as light as air or only slightly heavier (as suggested by other options) would not adequately account for their risk factors, as such conditions could lead to underestimating their behavior and the necessary precautions needed when working with them. Understanding the weight of vapors relative to air is crucial for effective safety protocols in environments where fuel is handled.