What determines how a hazardous material behaves after it has been released from its container?

The behavior of a hazardous material after it has been released from its container is primarily determined by its physical properties. Physical properties include factors such as state (solid, liquid, or gas), density, viscosity, volatility, solubility, and boiling point. These characteristics dictate how the material will interact with its environment, including how it disperses in the air or water, its tendency to evaporate, and its reactivity with other substances.

For example, the volatility of a substance affects how quickly it evaporates into the atmosphere, which can inform emergency response strategies. Similarly, the solubility of a substance in water influences how it might contaminate water sources or how it can be cleaned up. Thus, understanding the physical properties of hazardous materials is crucial for predicting their behavior in emergency situations and for effective response planning.