What is the main component found in natural gas?

Natural gas is primarily composed of methane (CH4), which is the simplest alkane. Methane makes up about 70-90% of natural gas by volume, making it the dominant component. This high concentration is crucial because methane is not only a highly efficient fuel, but it also burns cleanly, producing less carbon dioxide and other pollutants compared to other hydrocarbons.

The other components listed, such as ethane, propane, and butane, are indeed present in natural gas but in much smaller proportions. While they can contribute to the overall energy content and are valuable for various applications, it is methane that is the fundamental building block and the primary substance in natural gas used widely for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. Thus, identifying methane as the main component is essential for understanding the nature and applications of natural gas.