Which gas component makes up the largest percentage in natural gas?

Which gas component makes up the largest percentage in natural gas?

• A. Propane
• B. Ethane
• C. Methane
• D. Butane

Answer: (C)

Methane is the main component of natural gas. In most natural gas supplies, methane makes up the vast majority of the gas—typically a large majority, often around 85–95 percent—while other hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and butane appear only in smaller amounts. Heavier hydrocarbons are usually removed during processing to meet pipeline specifications or to produce separate liquids, which is why their shares are much smaller in the final natural gas that’s used for heating and cooking. Because of its simple structure and gaseous form under typical conditions, methane dominates natural gas composition, making it the correct selection.

Methane is the main component of natural gas. In most natural gas supplies, methane makes up the vast majority of the gas—typically a large majority, often around 85–95 percent—while other hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and butane appear only in smaller amounts. Heavier hydrocarbons are usually removed during processing to meet pipeline specifications or to produce separate liquids, which is why their shares are much smaller in the final natural gas that’s used for heating and cooking. Because of its simple structure and gaseous form under typical conditions, methane dominates natural gas composition, making it the correct selection.