Methane as the Main Constituent of Natural Gas
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 11.3.2
Methane as the Main Constituent of Natural Gas
Methane is the main gas in natural gas, a fossil fuel used for heating and cooking.
What is methane?
- Methane is a gas with the formula CH4.
- Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon.
- Methane is a molecule made of one carbon and four hydrogen atoms.
What is natural gas?
- Natural gas is a mixture of gases found underground.
- Methane is the main constituent of natural gas.
- Natural gas also contains small amounts of other gases such as ethane and propane.
- Natural gas forms from the decay of plants and animals under pressure over millions of years.
Uses of methane in natural gas
- Methane is used as a fuel for heating homes.
- Methane is used for cooking in many homes across England.
- Methane can be burned to produce electricity.
- Around the 1950s, natural gas became a popular fuel source in the UK.
Chemical properties of methane
- Methane burns easily in oxygen to release energy.
- The combustion of methane produces carbon dioxide and water.
- Methane is less dense than air.
- Methane is colourless and odourless; an odour is added for safety.
Environmental impact of methane
- Methane is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.
- Methane leaks from natural gas production increase global warming.
- Scientists work to reduce methane emissions to protect the environment.
Test yourself on Methane as the Main Constituent of Natural Gas
Which statement correctly describes the composition of methane?