What is the specific gravity of natural gas in relation to air?

The specific gravity of natural gas is an important property that relates to its behavior in the air. Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, which has a specific gravity of approximately 0.6 to 0.7 when compared to air. Since air has a specific gravity of approximately 1, this means that natural gas is lighter than air.

Choosing the range between 0.6 and 0.7 is accurate because it indicates that natural gas will rise and disperse quickly in the atmosphere in the event of a leak. This characteristic affects safety protocols and firefighting strategies because lighter-than-air gases can accumulate in higher areas, which is crucial for firefighters to consider when ventilating a space or strategizing on a response to a natural gas leak.

This understanding helps in ensuring proper handling and mitigation measures during emergencies involving natural gas, reinforcing the importance of recognizing the specific gravity of various gases in relation to air.