Gas Heat ESCO Practice Exam

The proper chemical name for natural gas is:

1. Butane

2. Methane

3. Propane

4. Ethane

The correct answer is: Methane

Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, which is a simple hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH₄. Methane is formed from decomposed organic material and is the most abundant component of natural gas, accounting for about 70-90% of its composition. The significance of methane extends beyond just being a fuel source; it plays a crucial role in energy production and is considered a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to other hydrocarbons, such as propane and butane. When combusted, methane produces carbon dioxide and water vapor, and emits less carbon dioxide per unit of energy than other hydrocarbons, which is a key factor in discussions about reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The other options—butane, propane, and ethane—are also hydrocarbons but are not the primary components of natural gas. Butane (C₄H₁₀) and propane (C₃H₈) are heavier hydrocarbons and are typically found in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or as byproducts of natural gas processing. Ethane (C₂H₆) is present in natural gas in smaller quantities but is not the principal component. This context of composition underscores why methane is the correct answer for the proper chemical name