What is the principal gas found in coal?

The principal gas found in coal is methane. Methane is produced through the natural processes of coal formation, where organic matter undergoes decomposition under high pressure and temperature over millions of years. During coal mining, methane can be released from the coal seams as a gas, making it a significant safety concern due to its flammability and potential to create explosive conditions in underground environments.

While carbon dioxide is a common gas associated with combustion and can be produced from burning coal, it is not a principal gas found in coal itself. Hydrogen sulfide, although a toxic gas that can be encountered in some mining operations, is not a major component associated with coal. Oxygen is consumed during the combustion of coal, rather than being a constituent of coal. Therefore, methane is recognized as the dominant gas associated with coal, especially in the context of mining and safety.