In the subsurface, natural gas
A)consists of longer carbon chains compared with oil.
B)is denser than oil and thus will float.
C)is generated at higher temperatures than oil.
D)is generated at higher temperatures than graphite.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Natural gas is generated at higher temperatures than oil. This is because natural gas is formed from organic matter (e.g. plankton) that has been heated to a high temperature over a long period of time (e.g. millions of years) under high pressure, which causes the organic matter to break down into simpler compounds, including methane. This process is known as thermogenesis. Oil, on the other hand, is formed from organic matter that has been subjected to lower temperatures and pressures, and is composed of longer hydrocarbon chains than natural gas. Graphite is a mineral composed of carbon, and is not formed from organic matter, so it is not relevant to the comparison of natural gas and oil.

In the Subsurface, Natural Gas