Question

Petroleum gas mainly consists of
A) Methene, ethene, propane and butene.
B) Methane, ethane, propane and hexane.
C) Methane, ethane, propane and butane.
D) Methane and butane.

Answer 1

We know that petroleum gas is used in our daily lives as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The compounds that are present in liquefied petroleum gas are combustible. To solve this we must know the constituents of liquefied petroleum gas.

Complete step-by-step answer:
We know that liquefied petroleum gas is stored in cylinders for domestic use in kitchens. This is because liquefied petroleum gas has property of controlled combustion.

Carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, etc. are the basic molecules present in petroleum. Liquefied petroleum gas is produced as a by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. The components of liquefied petroleum gas are the gases that evaporate under normal temperature and pressure. Thus, liquefied petroleum gas is stored in pressurised cylinders. Liquefied petroleum gas is heavier than air and in case of leakages it flows along floors.

Due to this, the liquefied petroleum gas may get accumulated in a spot and can cause explosions. Liquefied petroleum gas is also known as autogas. It consists of naturally occurring hydrocarbons that have various molecular weights and different organic compounds. It mainly consists of methane, ethane, propane and butane in various mixtures. Thus, petroleum gas mainly consists of methane, ethane, propane and butane.

Thus, the correct answer is option (C) methane, ethane, propane and butane.

Note: Liquefied petroleum gas has a typical smell. The smell can be noticed during leakages of liquefied petroleum gas. The smell is due to ethyl mercaptan. Ethyl mercaptan is added to liquefied petroleum gas to detect leakages and thus, pause hazards.