Mixture of which one of the following pairs of gases is the cause of occurrence of most of the explosions in mines?
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
- AHydrogen and oxygen
- BOxygen and acetylene
- CMethane and airCorrect
- DCarbon dioxide and methane
Explanation
The correct answer is C because methane, often referred to as firedamp in mining terminology, is naturally trapped within coal seams. When methane gas leaks into the mine shafts and mixes with the oxygen present in the air, it creates a highly explosive mixture. If the concentration of methane in the air reaches between 5 percent and 15 percent, even a small spark or flame can trigger a massive explosion. While other gas combinations listed are flammable, the specific combination of methane and air is the primary cause of most underground coal mine disasters.
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