What is the methane concentration range in air that can be explosive?

Prepare for the REHS/RS Solid and Hazardous Waste Test with comprehensive multiple choice questions, detailed hints, and in-depth explanations. Ace your environmental health exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the methane concentration range in air that can be explosive?

Explanation:
Methane’s ability to explode in air is governed by its flammable limits, the lower and upper explosive limits. The mixture is capable of ignition and rapid flame spread when methane makes up about 5% to 15% of the air by volume. Below roughly 5%, the mixture is too lean to ignite; above roughly 15%, it becomes too rich and lacks enough oxygen to sustain combustion. So the explosive range is the 5% to 15% window, which is why that option is the correct choice.

Methane’s ability to explode in air is governed by its flammable limits, the lower and upper explosive limits. The mixture is capable of ignition and rapid flame spread when methane makes up about 5% to 15% of the air by volume. Below roughly 5%, the mixture is too lean to ignite; above roughly 15%, it becomes too rich and lacks enough oxygen to sustain combustion. So the explosive range is the 5% to 15% window, which is why that option is the correct choice.

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