Beginner Topic 1072 of 1102 Biochemistry, Environment & Industry

Natural Gas

Mostly methane, burned for heating and electricity.

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In-depth explanation of Natural Gas

Natural gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons, mainly methane at about 70 to 95 percent, with smaller amounts of ethane, propane and butane, and sometimes carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. It burns more cleanly than coal or oil, releasing less CO2 per unit of energy and almost no particulate matter or sulfur dioxide. It is used for heating, electricity generation and as a feedstock for hydrogen, methanol, ammonia and plastics. It is transported as pipeline gas or as liquefied natural gas cooled to about minus 162 C. Methane leaks during production add significantly to its climate impact.

Going deeper: Natural Gas

Key ideas: About 85 to 95 percent methane with ethane, propane, butane, N2, CO2, H2S. Processing removes H2S (sweetening, amine absorbers), water and heavy hydrocarbons. LNG is cooled to minus 162 C, reducing volume 600 times. Burning CH4 gives about 55 MJ per kg and releases the least CO2 per energy of fossil fuels. Steam reforming gives hydrogen: CH4 plus H2O gives CO plus 3H2.

Common mistakes and connections: Mistake: calling it clean; unburned methane leaks are a strong greenhouse gas. CNG is compressed gas at about 200 bar and LPG is a propane-butane mix liquid under modest pressure; they are different. Links to hydrocarbon combustion, Haber process feedstock and greenhouse gases.

Visualization of Natural Gas

Typical natural gas composition. Mostly methane, with smaller amounts of ethane, propane and butane that are separated for other uses. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.

Worked example and use case

Burning one kilogram of methane releases about 55 MJ of heat.

Frequently asked questions about Natural Gas

What is Natural Gas?

Mostly methane, burned for heating and electricity.

Is Natural Gas a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?

Natural Gas is a beginner topic in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry. It needs no earlier chemistry lessons and is a good starting point.

What should I learn before Natural Gas?

Study these earlier topics in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry first: Medical Isotopes, Industrial Chemistry, Petroleum Refining.

What comes after Natural Gas?

The next topics in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry are Coal and Sulfuric Acid Industry.

Can I practise Natural Gas with quizzes?

Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Natural Gas, and the Biochemistry, Environment & Industry quiz draws on every topic in this area.

Where Natural Gas fits in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry

Natural Gas is topic 97 of 127 in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry.