What term describes a substance that vaporizes readily?

The term that describes a substance that vaporizes readily is "volatile." Volatile substances have a high vapor pressure at a given temperature, meaning they can easily transition from a liquid or solid state to a gas. This characteristic is important in various applications, including fumigation, where the ability of a chemical to vaporize and disperse effectively is crucial for its efficacy. In contrast, substances described as inert do not actively participate in chemical reactions under standard conditions, while stable substances resist changes in their physical and chemical properties. Nonvolatile substances have low vapor pressures and do not evaporate easily, making them the opposite of volatile substances. Understanding these terms is essential for managing the application and safety measures in non-soil fumigation practices.