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What is the primary component of natural gas?

  1. Ethanol

  2. Methane

  3. Propane

  4. Butane

The correct answer is: Methane

The primary component of natural gas is methane. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that predominantly consists of methane (CH4), which is a simple hydrocarbon made up of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. Methane is highly combustible, making it an effective fuel source for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. While ethanol, propane, and butane are hydrocarbon compounds, they each have different molecular structures and are typically not found in large quantities in natural gas. Ethanol is an alcohol derived from fermentation, while propane and butane are heavier hydrocarbons often found in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) rather than in conventional natural gas. Understanding the composition of natural gas is crucial for gas fitters, as it influences safety measures, combustion properties, and applications in various systems.