Answer:
The correct option is D) The availability of petroleum changed the way people fueled steam engines.
Explanation:
Before using petroleum as a fuel, steam was the only option to be used as a fuel. Although steam engines used a cheap source i.e coal for power but it had many drawbacks. Some of the drawbacks were :
- Only about 5 percent of potential energy of steam could be made useful for driving the wheels.
- The transport had to be stopped again and again for cal re-fill.
- Their maintenance was costly.
In contrast, the use of petroleum engines was more reliable because:
- Petroleum transports were more fuel- efficient.
- Frequent stops were not required.
- They could run faster and work longer.
- Their maintenance is not as costly as the steam engines.
