What is natural gas primarily composed of?

Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, which is a simple hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH4. Methane is the most abundant component of natural gas, typically making up 70-90% of its composition. It is formed from organic materials that have undergone heat and pressure over millions of years beneath the Earth's surface.

Using methane as a primary source of energy for heating, cooking, and electricity generation highlights its significance in both energy production and the global economy. Additionally, methane is considered a relatively clean-burning fossil fuel, releasing less carbon dioxide compared to coal or oil when burned, making it an important part of discussions on energy transition and sustainability.

The other options, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen, and ethanol, do not adequately represent the main constituents of natural gas, making them less relevant in this context.