What percentage range of methane is typically found in natural gas?

Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, a hydrocarbon that consists of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. The typical composition of natural gas in many regions shows that methane constitutes a significant majority of the gas, predominantly falling within the range of 85 to 95%. This high concentration is crucial because methane is the main energy contributor in natural gas, making it the primary fuel used for heating, cooking, and electricity generation.

Understanding the composition is also important for safety inspection, as the properties of methane in natural gas influence how it behaves in terms of combustion and potential hazards. A range of 70 to 80% would underestimate the actual concentration, while 50 to 60% would imply an insufficient amount of methane for effective use as a fuel. The option indicating 90 to 100% suggests an unrealistic scenario, as natural gas typically contains trace amounts of other gases and impurities.

Therefore, identifying the correct composition range of 85 to 95% helps in recognizing the reliability of natural gas as an energy source and underscores the importance of proper handling and safety measures during inspections and installations.