NATURAL GAS: DEFINITION, PROPERTIES, PROCESS, USES,

ADVANTAGES, AND DISADVANTAGES

Submitted by:

Arcenal, Arian
Apil, Nelgie B.
Cobrado, Johanne Estella Mari
Maloloy-on, Lea
Nolledo, Monica Grace
BSEd Science III

Submitted to:

Mrs. Marife S. Magpantay

Earth Science Teacher

November 6. 2023
 NATURAL GAS

What is Natural Gas?

- Natural gas is a fossil fuel. Like other fossil fuels
such as coal and oil, it is formed from the remains of
plants, animals, and microorganisms that lived
millions of years ago. Also called methane gas or
natural methane gas. They are colorless, highly
flammable gaseous hydrocarbons consisting primarily
of methane and ethane. It is a type of petroleum that
commonly occurs in association with crude oil. Also
used for electricity generation, heating, and cooking,
as well as as a fuel for certain vehicles. It is important as a chemical feedstock in the
manufacture of plastics and is necessary for a wide array of other chemical products, including
fertilizers and dyes.

Properties and Characteristics of Natural Gas

• Natural gas is lighter than air, so it can dissipate into the air rapidly, making accidental
combustion difficult.
• Colorless
• Non-toxic
• No taste in its natural state
• Odorless
• It's highly flammable and burns cleanly.
• It has a high energy density.

Natural Gas Into Energy

According to the website of America’s Natural Gas and Oil - Energy for Progress (2020),
they shared that natural gas work as an energy through the following processes:
1. Extraction - natural gas to be processed is extracted from the beneath of Earth’s surface
by powerplants through various pipelines
2. Conversion - once natural gas is collected, they are converted into steam by using a
boiler. The steam is then capable to make energy by allowing the steam to spin a
turbine. They also make use of combustion turbine to convert the natural gas into a
rotating mass that specifically helps to generate electricity.
3. Power - when the natural gas is extracted and converted, they are transported to various
areas with the help of power lines managed by different utility companies.
The above-stated process can be easily applied to generate electricity which shows how
this specific energy source is made into energy. When it comes to heating and transportation,
natural gas is commonly burned to transform it to the energy desired. For example, in cooking,
we use natural gas in our stoves to cook our food. In transportation, we make use of natural gas
to power up our vehicles. But a fun fact is that we also we make use of natural gas in air
conditioning. Instead of turning it into electricity and heating, its energy is collected for further
cooling. However, it is also used indirectly as a form of electricity to run the air conditioner
(METGroup, 2020). FGEN LNG Corp. and Linseed Field Corp. are few of the companies that
provide natural gas in the Philippine market today.
Advantage of Natural Gas as an Energy Source
● Natural Gas is Abundant - natural gas deposits are found around the world including
North America, Europe, and Asia, making it easier for extraction as the adequate infrastructure is
present.
● Low Carbon Dioxide and greenhouse Gas Emissions - burning natural gas releases
greenhouse gasses, it still expels the least amount of carbon emissions of all the fossil fuels, so
natural gas produces less pollution.
● Versatility- versatile energy source, it can be used for electricity generation, heating,
cooling, and as a fuel for a wide range of applications including vehicles, industrial processes,
and cooking. Its versatility makes it a valuable energy source for various sectors.
● Energy Efficiency- Natural gas power plants are known for high energy, which means
that they can generate more electricity with less fuel consumption. This efficiency contributes to
lower operating costs and reduced emissions per unit of energy produced.
● Less expensive than other fossil fuels - natural gas production is much less expensive
than other fossil fuels such as oil or coal. It is used for power generation because it costs less.

Disadvantages of Natural Gas as an Energy Source

● Highly Flammable
Natural gas is a highly flammable substance and gas leaks can cause fires or explosions, if not
handled properly. It is colorless, tasteless and odorless and cannot be detected by smell
Hence, the manufacturer adds odorant for safety purposes.
● Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other carbon compounds are released in the atmosphere
when natural gas is burnt. These gasses contribute to greenhouse gasses by transferring carbon
from the earth to the atmosphere.
● Non-Renewable
Natural gas is non-renewable and will eventually run out one day like other fossil fuels. It is
considered as a non-renewable energy source because its true reliability cannot be quantified. It
is not a sustainable form of energy and is not an answer to the ever-growing energy crisis that the
world is facing.
● Not Easy to Use
To use natural gas, all the components have to be extracted first before using, except for
methane. This results in several byproducts such as hydrocarbons (ethane, propane, etc.), sulfur,
water vapor, carbon dioxide, and even helium and nitrogen. And Carbon Dioxide is one of the
major contributors of greenhouse gasses.
● Expensive Pipelines
Very expensive long pipes, specialized. tanks, and separate plumbing systems are needed to be
used when using natural gas. Long-distance transmission and transportation require extra cost
and fixing of leaking pipes add to the running cost.
References
Koons, E. (2022, March 20). What are the advantages and disadvantages of natural gas? Energy
Tracker Asia. https://energytracker.asia/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-natural-gas/.
Natural gas. (n.d.). https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/natural-gas/
One Question on Energy: How Does Natural Gas Become Electricity? (2020, August 25).
America’s Natural Gas and Oil. Retrived from https://energyforprogress.org/article/one-
question-on-energy-how-does-natural-gas-become-electricity/.
Rinkesh. (2022, July 27). Various pros and cons of natural gas - Conserve Energy future.
Conserve Energy Future. https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/pros-and-cons-of-
natural-gas.php.
Waddams, A., Riva, J. P., Solomon, L. H., Carruthers, J. E., & Atwater, G. I. (2023, October 30).
Natural gas | Types, Discovery, Reserves, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/science/natural-gas.