What are fumes composed of?

The correct choice identifies fumes as tiny, solid particles suspended in smoke. Fumes are typically produced when certain materials, particularly metals, are heated to high temperatures, leading to their vaporization and subsequent condensation. This creates a mixture of solid particles that can be airborne, often appearing as a blue or gray haze.

Understanding that fumes are specifically composed of these solid particles helps differentiate them from other substances such as gases or liquids. Fumes are commonly generated in various processes, including welding and metalworking, where the metallic components vaporize and then cool in the air to form these tiny particles. This concept is important in nail technology, especially when working with products that may produce fumes during application, as proper ventilation and safety guidelines need to be followed to protect both the technician and the clients.

The other options do not accurately describe fumes. Larger liquid droplets pertain to a different phase of matter. Gaseous forms of liquids relate more to vapors rather than particles, and alloyed metal components refer to combined metals rather than the particulate matter produced through heating.