What is the vapor density of methane?

The vapor density of a substance is a measure of how heavy its vapors are compared to air. For methane, the vapor density is approximately 0.55. This value indicates that methane vapors are lighter than air, as a vapor density less than 1 means the gas will rise when released into the atmosphere.

Understanding the vapor density of methane is crucial for fire fighters and responders. Since it is lighter than air, in the event of a leak, methane would concentrate near the ceiling of a structure rather than at ground level. This information is important for assessing risks, determining ventilation strategies, and planning the response to a gas leak or fire involving methane.