Acetylene is a gas which burns rapidly on its own, and is considered highly explosive. A) True B) False
Acetylene is a gas which burns rapidly on its own, and is considered highly explosive. A) True B) False
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: A) True
Acetylene (C₂H₂) is a colorless, highly flammable gas commonly used in welding and cutting metals due to its high flame temperature when combined with oxygen. It is indeed considered highly explosive, especially under certain conditions.
Explanation
Acetylene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon belonging to the alkyne group, with a triple bond between two carbon atoms. It is known for its ability to produce extremely hot flames—reaching temperatures up to 3,500°C (6,332°F) when burned with oxygen. This makes it valuable in industrial applications such as oxy-acetylene welding and cutting. However, its chemical properties also make it very dangerous if not handled properly.
One of the key reasons acetylene is considered highly explosive is because of its instability under pressure. Unlike many other gases, acetylene can decompose explosively even without the presence of air or oxygen, especially when compressed above 15 psi (103 kPa). This decomposition is exothermic and can be triggered by shock, heat, or even rough handling. Therefore, acetylene is never stored in its pure form under high pressure. Instead, it is dissolved in a solvent like acetone or dimethylformamide (DMF) inside a specially designed cylinder filled with porous material. This design helps stabilize the gas and prevent explosive decomposition.
Acetylene can also ignite very easily in air, with a wide flammability range of about 2.5% to 100% by volume in air, making it one of the most flammable gases. This means even small leaks can lead to fire or explosions if an ignition source is present.
In summary, the statement is True. Acetylene burns rapidly on its own and is classified as highly explosive due to its instability under pressure, wide flammability range, and potential for self-decomposition. Proper storage, handling, and usage protocols are essential to prevent accidents when working with acetylene.
