Natural gas consists mostly of which chemical compound?

• A. CO_2 (carbon dioxide)
• B. CH_4 (methane)
• C. C_2H_6 (ethane)
• D. C_3H_8 (propane)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that natural gas is primarily a mixture of hydrocarbons, which are compounds made of hydrogen and carbon atoms.
2. Recall that the main component of natural gas is methane, which has the chemical formula \(\mathrm{CH_4}\).
3. Recognize that carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)) is a gas but is not a major component of natural gas; it is more commonly associated with combustion products.
4. Note that ethane (\(\mathrm{C_2H_6}\)) and propane (\(\mathrm{C_3H_8}\)) are also present in natural gas but in smaller amounts compared to methane.
5. Conclude that the chemical compound that natural gas consists mostly of is methane, \(\mathrm{CH_4}\).