What are the consequences of "cook-off" in machine gun operation?

A "cook-off" occurs when a round in the chamber of a firearm, such as a machine gun, becomes ignited without the trigger being pressed. This situation typically arises due to excessive heat, either from sustained firing or from a hot barrel that maintains heat after usage. When the round cooks off, it can create a dangerous scenario since it may fire unexpectedly, leading to loss of control over the weapon and an increased risk of injury to the operator and nearby personnel.

The significance of option B lies in its portrayal of this phenomenon precisely. The definition encompasses the essence of a cook-off, highlighting the uncontrolled firing of a round due to heat without intentional trigger action. In the context of machine gun operations, understanding this consequence is vital for equipment handling and safety protocols, emphasizing the need for proper management of firing rates and cooling techniques to prevent such events from occurring.

In contrast, other options pertain to different aspects of firearm operation, such as malfunctions, misfires, or effects during firing, but they do not effectively encapsulate the specific nature of a cook-off incident.