What is the specific gravity of natural gas?

The specific gravity of natural gas is typically around 0.60. Specific gravity is a dimensionless quantity defined as the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, usually air or water. In the case of gases, specific gravity is often compared to air, and since natural gas is lighter than air, it has a specific gravity value less than 1.

A value of 0.60 indicates that natural gas is 60% as dense as air. This property is essential for understanding the behavior of natural gas in various applications, including its buoyancy and dispersion in the atmosphere. Knowing the specific gravity helps in designing safety systems, combustion processes, and in the proper sizing of ventilation and exhaust systems.

The other values do not accurately represent the typical characteristics of natural gas. For instance, a specific gravity of 1.00 would mean it is as dense as air, and higher values, such as 1.52, suggest a gas that is significantly heavier than air, which does not describe natural gas.