Final answer:
Firedamp is a gas associated with coal mines, consisting mainly of methane. It is explosive at concentrations between 4-16% in the air.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gas associated with coal, which is found in coal mines, is called firedamp. Firedamp is a mixture of methane (CH4) and other flammable gases. It is explosive at concentrations between 4-16% in the air.
Firedamp is formed during the coalification process, where organic matter is transformed into coal over millions of years. The methane in firedamp is a byproduct of the decay of plant material that gets trapped within the coal seams.
When the concentration of firedamp in the air reaches the explosive range and comes into contact with an ignition source, such as a spark or flame, it can result in a violent explosion.