What is natural gas?

Natural gas is defined as a naturally occurring gas that primarily consists of hydrocarbons, mainly methane (CH4), along with some other gases. This composition makes it a fossil fuel that is formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms buried under layers of sediment and subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. Because it is primarily made up of hydrocarbons, it is an energy-rich resource used for heating, cooking, and as fuel for electricity generation.

While the other options describe substances related to or derived from organic materials or combustion, they do not accurately represent natural gas itself. For instance, a mixture of volatile organic compounds may include various gases but does not specifically encompass the primary components of natural gas. Similarly, a chemical used in agricultural applications describes a different category of compounds, while referring to natural gas in this context would be misleading. A byproduct of coal combustion is also not representative of natural gas, since natural gas is formed through a distinct geological process separate from coal. Thus, the correct characterization of natural gas highlights its nature as a hydrocarbon gas product.