Question

Which of the following is the main constituent of natural gas?
${\text{A}}{\text{.}}$ Methane
${\text{B}}{\text{.}}$ Ethane
${\text{C}}{\text{.}}$ Propane
${\text{D}}{\text{.}}$ Butane

Answer 1

Hint- Here, we will proceed by writing the properties of all those given in the options i.e., Methane, Ethane, Propane and Butane. Then, we will be discussing the composition of the natural gas.

Complete step by step answer:
Methane is a colourless, odourless gas that occurs abundantly in nature and as a product of certain human activities. Methane is the simplest member of the paraffin series of hydrocarbons and is among the most potent of the greenhouse gases. Its chemical formula is ${\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_4}$.
Ethane is a colourless, odourless, gaseous hydrocarbon (compound of hydrogen and carbon), belonging to the paraffin series. Its chemical formula is ${{\text{C}}_2}{{\text{H}}_6}$.
Propane is a colourless, easily liquefied, gaseous hydrocarbon (compound of carbon and hydrogen), the third member of the paraffin series following methane and ethane. The chemical formula for propane is ${{\text{C}}_3}{{\text{H}}_8}$.
Butane is either of two colourless, odourless, gaseous hydrocarbons (compounds of carbon and hydrogen), members of the series of paraffinic hydrocarbons. Their chemical formula is ${{\text{C}}_4}{{\text{H}}_{10}}$.
Natural gas is made up of a mixture of four naturally occurring gases, all of which have different molecular structures. This mixture consists primarily of methane, which makes up 70-90 percent of natural gas along with ethane, butane and propane. These gases are a result of compacted heat and pressure from deceased animals buried deep under the Earth’s surface for millions of years.
Therefore, the main constituent of natural gas is Methane.
Hence, option A is correct.

Note- Natural gas is extracted from inside the Earth through natural gas drilling and alongside oil drills. Once extracted, the gas is combined with a liquid called crude oil. Natural gas is a beneficial source of natural energy, offering advantages over other energy sources such as fewer impurities, less chemically complex, combustion results in less pollution, etc.