Final answer:
Natural gas is more volatile than oil and is predominantly made of shorter-chain hydrocarbon molecules like methane. It is also less polluting when burned and is often found in association with oil in underground reservoirs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Natural gas is more volatile than oil, and consists of shorter-chain hydrocarbon molecules. Natural gas, consisting primarily of methane (CH4), is a gaseous fossil fuel that is found underground. It is generally made up of hydrocarbons with 1-5 carbon atoms, and it is gaseous at the surface due to the decomposition of organic matter in sedimentary rocks and microbial activity. Oil, on the other hand, can be quite viscous and is composed of a much more complex mixture of hydrocarbons, including compounds that have more than just single carbon atoms.
Moreover, natural gas is less polluting when burned compared to other fossil fuels. The extraction and processing of natural gas often involve separating valuable higher hydrocarbons like butane and propane, which can be used in various applications such as heating and cooking. These hydrocarbons are removed to produce what is known as 'dry' natural gas, which is then transported through pipelines for consumption.