What are the approximate components of natural gas by percentage?

What are the approximate components of natural gas by percentage?

• A. Methane 90%, Propane 5%, Ethane 5%
• B. Methane 70%, Propane 15%, Ethane 15%
• C. Methane 60%, Propane 30%, Ethane 10%
• D. Methane 80%, Propane 10%, Ethane 10%

Answer: (A)

Natural gas is essentially methane with small amounts of heavier hydrocarbons. A common approximate composition is methane around 90%, with ethane and propane each about 5%. This reflects the reality that methane dominates the fuel, while ethane and propane are the next most significant components. The other options either reduce methane too much or raise the shares of ethane and propane far beyond typical values, which would change the fuel’s properties. Therefore, 90% methane, 5% propane, and 5% ethane best matches standard natural gas.

Natural gas is essentially methane with small amounts of heavier hydrocarbons. A common approximate composition is methane around 90%, with ethane and propane each about 5%. This reflects the reality that methane dominates the fuel, while ethane and propane are the next most significant components. The other options either reduce methane too much or raise the shares of ethane and propane far beyond typical values, which would change the fuel’s properties. Therefore, 90% methane, 5% propane, and 5% ethane best matches standard natural gas.