Natural gas is a very good fuel which is formed by slow anaerobic decomposition of organic matter like plant and animal wastes inside the earth. Usually, natural gas is found over petroleum in oil wells; however there are also some oil wells which give only natural gas. Natural gas is a mixture of three gases namely methane, ethane and propane. But, the chief constituent of natural gas is methane.
Natural gas can be easily compressed by applying pressure. In the compressed state it is called compressed natural gas or CNG. Compressed natural gas is used as a fuel in vehicles because it burns easily and does not cause air pollution. Besides it, natural gas is also used as a fuel in homes, industries and thermal power plants.
The top natural gas producing countries in the world are: Russia, U.S.A., Canada, U.K. and Algeria. In India reserves of natural gas are found in Krishna-Godavary delta, off-shore areas of Mumbai, Tripura and Jaisalmer.
Test Your Understanding and Answer These Questions:
- What is natural gas?
- What is compressed natural gas?
- What is composition of natural gas?
- Name the chief constituent of natural gas.