What characteristic of LP gas contributes to its higher volatility compared to natural gas?

The characteristic of LP gas that contributes to its higher volatility compared to natural gas is its higher Btu rating. A higher Btu (British thermal unit) rating indicates that LP gas contains more energy per unit volume than natural gas. This energy density allows LP gas to vaporize more readily when exposed to atmospheric conditions, leading to a quicker transition from liquid to gas.

When considering volatility, a fuel's tendency to vaporize and mix with air is critical, and LP gas’s ability to produce more energy in a concentrated form enhances its volatility. This characteristic is important for applications where rapid ignition and higher heating efficiency are desired, making LP gas a preferred option in many commercial cooking devices.

In contrast, elements like lower density or Btu rating would not enhance volatility. Lower density could imply it is lighter, but does not necessarily correlate with how readily it vaporizes. Therefore, the higher Btu rating is the key factor that explains the increased volatility of LP gas in comparison to natural gas.