What kind of gas is lighter than air?

Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, which is indeed lighter than air. This characteristic is significant for safety and handling procedures. When there is a leak or a release of natural gas, the lighter-than-air property allows it to rise into the atmosphere rather than accumulate at ground level, reducing the risk of inhalation hazards or explosive mixtures near the ground.

In contrast, propane and butane are heavier than air. If they leak, they tend to settle and pool at lower areas, which can pose different safety challenges. Carbon dioxide, while also heavier than air, is not used as a fuel gas and is typically considered a byproduct of combustion processes. Understanding the behavior of these gases in relation to air is crucial for safe handling and mitigation strategies in gas distribution and usage.