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To achieve a 2-hour fire rating for walls, the appropriate construction material is gypsum wall board. Gypsum wall board, also known as drywall, is specifically designed for fire-resistance and is widely used in the construction industry for partition walls and ceilings.
Gypsum contains water in its chemical composition, which helps prevent the spread of fire. When exposed to high temperatures, the water is released as steam, effectively slowing the heat transfer through the material. Configurations of multiple layers of gypsum wall board can enhance the fire-resistance rating, allowing for the 2-hour requirement to be met when properly installed as per building codes and specifications.
On the other hand, wood paneling lacks adequate fire resistance and can ignite easily, making it unsuitable for meeting fire rating requirements. Concrete blocks provide good structural integrity and can have a fire rating, but typically require specific configurations and treatment to achieve a 2-hour rating. Metal sheets can offer some fire resistance, but they have different thermal properties and may not be sufficient alone to achieve the desired rating without additional fire-resistant materials.