In terms of chemical composition, what percentage of hydrocarbons does natural gas contain besides methane?

Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, which typically constitutes about 70% to 90% of its total composition. Besides methane, natural gas also contains small amounts of other hydrocarbons, such as ethane, propane, and butane. The correct answer indicates that natural gas contains 3 to 7% of hydrocarbons other than methane, which aligns with industry standards and common knowledge regarding its chemical composition. This percentage reflects not only the constituents typically found alongside methane but also the variability in natural gas composition based on the source.

Hydrocarbon gases such as ethane and propane play a role in the energy content and combustion properties of natural gas, and their presence is usually significantly higher than minimal traces, thus the 3 to 7% figure is a well-accepted range in the field. Understanding this composition is crucial for both safety inspections and operational considerations in gas piping systems.