Question

Which of the following is the main component of natural gas?
A. Methane
B. Propane
C. Butane
D. Pentane

Answer 1

Hint : Natural gas occurs naturally. It includes a mixture of hydrocarbons such as methane, ethane, propane, butane and so on. The main component of natural gas is the lowest hydrocarbon which comprises only one carbon atom.

Complete step by step solution :
Natural gas is produced from the remains of tiny marine organisms that died millions of years ago. Natural gas is made up of hydrocarbons. Organic compounds composed of only carbon and hydrogen are called hydrocarbons. Methane $\left( {{\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{4}}}} \right)$, ethane $\left( {{{\text{C}}_2}{{\text{H}}_6}} \right)$, propane $\left( {{{\text{C}}_3}{{\text{H}}_{\text{8}}}} \right)$, butane $\left( {{{\text{C}}_4}{{\text{H}}_{{\text{10}}}}} \right)$, pentane $\left( {{{\text{C}}_5}{{\text{H}}_{{\text{12}}}}} \right)$ and so on are examples of hydrocarbons. Natural gas also comprises of non-hydrocarbon gases like carbon dioxide $\left( {{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}} \right)$ and water vapour. It also comprises hydrocarbon gas liquids.

But natural gas largely comprises methane. Methane is the lowest hydrocarbon as it is having a single carbon atom. Natural gas consists of 98% of methane. Thus methane is considered as the main component of natural gas.
Therefore, the correct option is A.
Additional Information: Natural gas is used for the production of electricity. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is utilized as a fuel and it is considered environment friendly than petrol diesel. Natural gas is utilized in the ammonia production and also used to form hydrogen. It is also used in the manufacture of steel, glass, plastics and other daily products.

Note : Remember that natural gas comprises a mixture of different hydrocarbons, but only methane acts as a primary component as it forms 98% of the mixture while other hydrocarbons are present in less amount.