Here's a breakdown:

* Natural gas is primarily composed of methane (CH4).

* Combustion is a chemical process involving rapid reaction between a substance with an oxidant, usually oxygen (O2), to produce heat and light.

* In the case of natural gas:

* Methane reacts with oxygen in the presence of a spark or flame.

* This reaction produces carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and heat energy.

The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:

CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O + heat

This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat into the surroundings. This is why burning natural gas is used to generate electricity and heat homes.