How does the specific gravity of natural gas compare to air?

Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, which has a specific gravity that is less than that of air. The specific gravity of a substance is a measure of its density relative to the density of air. Since methane has a specific gravity of approximately 0.6, this means that natural gas is lighter than air.

When natural gas is released into the atmosphere, it tends to rise rather than sink, which can be particularly important in ensuring safe handling and preventing accumulation in enclosed spaces. Understanding this property is critical for safety protocols in gas handling and leakage detection. The difference in specific gravities plays a significant role in how natural gas behaves in various environments, influencing both safety practices and engineering designs.