What is the specific gravity of natural gas?

Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, which has a specific gravity less than that of air. The specific gravity of a gas is a measure of its density relative to air, which is considered to have a specific gravity of 1. The specific gravity of natural gas typically ranges between 0.55 to 0.70.

The choice of 0.60 falls within this range, indicating that natural gas is less dense than air, which is a crucial characteristic for understanding how it behaves when released into the atmosphere. Because it rises and disperses rapidly, this property helps in safety considerations, such as preventing the accumulation of gas in enclosed spaces.

Other options present specific gravities that are either too high or outside the common range for natural gas, making them less applicable. Understanding the specific gravity of natural gas is important for gas technicians when dealing with venting, system design, and safety protocols.