Final answer:
Natural gas is primarily composed of methane (CH4), accounting for 85% to 95% of its composition. It is a nonrenewable fossil fuel used widely for energy production, heating, and industrial purposes. While natural gas is relatively cleaner to burn, it is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions when leaked or flared.
Step-by-step explanation:
Between 85% to 95% of natural gas is composed primarily of methane (CH4). Natural gas is a crucial source of energy and is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, predominantly methane, but also includes ethane, propane, butane, and other gases. After extraction, natural gas can present as "wet", containing liquid hydrocarbons and non-hydrocarbon gases, or as "dry" after these additional components have been removed.
Due to its composition, natural gas serves various purposes. For instance, propane, a by-product, can be utilized for cooking on gas grills. Natural gas consumption constitutes a significant portion of energy use, accommodating 31% of the U.S. energy needs and 22% globally.
It's important to note that natural gas is a nonrenewable gaseous fossil fuel which, when combusted, is less polluting than other fossil fuels but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The United States, for example, has vast reserves of natural gas, including shale resources, which have become more economically viable to extract due to increased gas prices.