2000 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2000 · General Studies
Question 107: Science and Technology
Most of the explosions in mines occur due to the mixing of
ahydrogen with oxygen
boxygen with acetylene
cmethane with air
dcarbon dioxide with ethane
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Coal seams give off methane, called firedamp, which mixes with the air in mines. A mixture of about 5 to 15 per cent methane in air explodes when it meets a spark or a flame. Miners guard against this with ventilation, gas detectors and safety lamps. Hydrogen, acetylene and ethane are not the usual cause in mines.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Hydrogen with oxygen is not the usual cause in mines.
- (b) Acetylene with oxygen is not the usual cause in mines.
- (c) Right: methane mixed with air causes most mine explosions.
- (d) Carbon dioxide does not burn, so it cannot explode.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2000, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.