Natural gas is lighter than air. true or false?

Natural gas is lighter than air. true or false?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only heavier than air
• D. Varies with humidity

Answer: (A)

Natural gas is lighter than air because its main component, methane, has a lower density than air. Air at room conditions is about 29 g/mol, while methane is about 16 g/mol, so methane gas is buoyant relative to the surrounding air and will rise, tending to accumulate near ceilings when released. Humidity can slightly change air density, but it does not reverse this relationship; methane remains lighter than the humid air, so leaks still rise. Therefore the statement is true.

Natural gas is lighter than air because its main component, methane, has a lower density than air. Air at room conditions is about 29 g/mol, while methane is about 16 g/mol, so methane gas is buoyant relative to the surrounding air and will rise, tending to accumulate near ceilings when released. Humidity can slightly change air density, but it does not reverse this relationship; methane remains lighter than the humid air, so leaks still rise. Therefore the statement is true.