Foundation
Physics Foundation
Sources of Energy
Question

Which of the following is an example of spontaneous combustion ?

Fire caused in coal mines

Burning of liquified petroleum gas    

Dry white phosphorous liberates white fumes on exposure to air.

All of these

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Solution
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Spontaneous combustion occurs when a substance ignites on its own, without an external ignition source, due to internal heat generation from oxidation or other chemical reactions.

Analyzing the options:

  • Coal mine fires can start spontaneously from the oxidation of coal dust.
  • LPG requires a spark or flame to ignite; it is not spontaneous.
  • Dry white phosphorus reacts with air, igniting spontaneously at room temperature: 4P+5O22P2O5 + heat.

Therefore, only the first and third options are correct examples. "All of these" is incorrect because LPG does not ignite spontaneously.

Final Answer: Dry white phosphorous liberates white fumes on exposure to air.