Gas mixture causing most mine explosions — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2008
Mixture of which one of the following pairs of gases is the cause of occurrence of most of the explosions in mines?
- Hydrogen and oxygen
- Oxygen and acetylene
- Methane and air
- Carbon dioxide and methane
Explanation
Option (c) is correct
- Methane (CH₄), also known as firedamp, is the primary gas released from coal seams during mining operations. Explosions occur when methane builds up and mixes with air (oxygen) in a specific range, typically between 5% and 15% by volume. When this mixture encounters an ignition source—such as a spark from machinery, defective safety lamps, or a naked flame—it results in a violent explosion.
Answer: (c) Methane and Air
