Give reasons for each of the following:
A foul smelling chemical is added to natural gas before distributing it to homes and factories.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Natural Gas**: Natural gas is primarily composed of methane (CH₄), which is a colorless and odorless gas. This means that when natural gas is leaking, it can be very difficult to detect without any added substances.

2. **Safety Concerns**: Since natural gas is highly flammable, any leaks can lead to dangerous situations, including explosions or fires. Therefore, it is crucial to have a method to detect leaks quickly.

3. **Adding a Foul Smelling Chemical**: To address the safety concerns, a foul-smelling chemical, commonly known as mercaptan (or thiol), is added to natural gas. This chemical has a strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur.

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