What is another name for natural gas?

Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, which is a colorless, odorless gas and the simplest hydrocarbon. Methane is primarily responsible for the heating properties and energy content of natural gas, making it an essential component in various residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Other options listed—propane, butane, and ethanol—are different forms of hydrocarbons or biofuels and do not represent the main constituent of natural gas. Propane and butane are typically classified as liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) and differ significantly in composition and use from natural gas, while ethanol is an alcohol derived from fermentation processes and is not a natural gas component at all. This context helps clarify why methane serves as the correct term for another name for natural gas.