Question

Which of the following is the main component of the natural gas?
1. Ethane
2. Butane
3. Carbon mono-oxide
4. Methane

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Methane

The correct answer is Methane.

• Natural gas is a fossil energy source that formed deep beneath the earth's surface. 
• It is a colourless highly flammable gaseous hydrocarbon consisting primarily of methane and ethane.
• The largest component of natural gas is methane.
• It also contains smaller amounts of natural gas liquids (NGL, which are also hydrocarbon gas liquids), and nonhydrocarbon gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapour.
• Ethane
  • It is an organic chemical compound with chemical formula C₂H₆.
  • It is the second most abundant natural gas component.
  • It is used for the production of a chemical called ethylene, which is used in the manufacture of goods such as plastic, automotive antifreeze, and detergent.
• Butane
  • The chemical formula is C₄H₁₀.
  • It is a highly flammable, colourless, easily liquefied gas.
  • It is typically used as fuel for cigarette lighters and portable stoves, a propellant in aerosols, a heating fuel, a refrigerant, etc.
• Carbon monoxide
  • The chemical formula is CO.
  • It is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless flammable gas that is slightly less dense than air.
  • It is used in the industry primarily as a source of energy and as a reducing agent.
• Methane
  • The chemical compound with chemical formula CH₄.
  • It is a powerful greenhouse gas.
  • It is used primarily as fuel to make heat and light.
  • It is also used to manufacture organic chemicals.
  • Methane can be formed by the decay of natural materials and is common in landfills, marshes, septic systems and sewers.