Which gas is described as non-explosive, colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and is released from coal seams?

Get ready for the Tennessee Mine Foreman Test. Use our flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare for your foreman test now!

The gas that is non-explosive, colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and is commonly released from coal seams is carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a natural byproduct of the combustion of carbon-based materials, such as coal. While it fits the description outlined in the question, the specifics highlight its characteristics: it doesn’t support combustion and can be present in high concentrations in mines, presenting risks of asphyxiation rather than explosion.

In contrasting the other gases listed, it is easy to understand why the correct identification here is carbon dioxide. Nitrogen, while mostly inert, does not typically associate with coal seams. Carbon monoxide, while hazardous and colorless, has a distinct odor (though sometimes referred to as being 'odorless' in certain contexts), and is definitely explosive in the right conditions. Hydrogen sulfide is indeed colorless and can be lethal, but it possesses a characteristic odor of rotten eggs, distinguishing it from the provided description.

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