How does propane differ from other LPG components?

• A. Propane is a single hydrocarbon (C3H8); LPG is a mixture of propane and other hydrocarbons such as butane
• B. LPG is pure propane
• C. Propane is not a hydrocarbon
• D. LPG is non-flammable

Answer: (B)

Propane is a single hydrocarbon molecule with the formula C3H8. LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas, is a blend of hydrocarbon gases stored as a liquid under pressure, typically including propane and other components such as butane. So propane differs from the other LPG components by being one specific component with its own chemical identity and properties, while LPG is the mixture that combines several hydrocarbons.

For example, butane (a common other component) has four carbons (C4H10) and a higher boiling point, so its vaporization characteristics differ from propane. The combination of these components in LPG is what allows it to perform reliably across different temperatures, rather than being a pure substance. Saying LPG is pure propane isn’t accurate because LPG is typically a mixture, not a single chemical.