Which of the following examples shows the influence coal has had on human activity?
1. Coal use in steam engines led to the discovery of natural gas wells.
2. Coal use in steam engines allowed people to travel on planes.
3. Coal use in steam engines caused a decrease in railroad profits.
4. Coal use in steam engines led to easier access to goods.
1. Coal use in steam engines led to the discovery of natural gas wells.
The correct answer is option 4. Coal use in steam engines led to easier access to goods.
To determine which of the examples shows the influence coal has had on human activity, we'll need to consider the role coal played in each scenario and identify how it impacted human activity.
1. Coal use in steam engines led to the discovery of natural gas wells.
Explanation: This example suggests that the use of coal in steam engines somehow led to the discovery of natural gas wells. However, coal itself does not inherently contribute to the discovery of natural gas. It's more likely that the example might be suggesting that the increased need for energy and the development of steam engines, which were powered by coal, prompted further exploration and advancements in energy sources, including natural gas.
2. Coal use in steam engines allowed people to travel on planes.
Explanation: This example seems unlikely, as coal is not directly connected to the invention or advancements in aviation technology. The use of coal in steam engines primarily impacted transportation on land, particularly trains and ships, rather than air travel.
3. Coal use in steam engines caused a decrease in railroad profits.
Explanation: This example suggests that the adoption of steam engines, which were fueled by coal, led to a decrease in railroad profits. This holds true because steam engines revolutionized transportation, making it more efficient and faster. This resulted in increased competition and additional transportation options, leading to a decline in profits for traditional railroad companies that solely relied on horse-drawn carriages or other less efficient means.
4. Coal use in steam engines led to easier access to goods.
Explanation: This example is likely the most accurate representation of how coal influenced human activity. Steam engines fueled by coal played a major role in the Industrial Revolution, allowing for the transportation of goods by rail and waterways. This led to easier access to goods, as coal-powered steam engines increased the speed and efficiency of transportation, enabling the movement of goods over long distances more rapidly and at larger scales.
In conclusion, option 4 - "Coal use in steam engines led to easier access to goods" - is the example that shows the influence coal has had on human activity.