Which energy source was central to the start of the Industrial Revolution in Britain?
Wood
Gas
Coal
None of the above
Coal
The energy source that was central to the start of the Industrial Revolution in Britain was coal.
The energy source that was central to the start of the Industrial Revolution in Britain was coal. To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the history of the Industrial Revolution and the role of energy sources during that time period.
The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the late 18th century and lasted until the mid-19th century. It was a period of significant advancements in manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation, which led to a major shift from manual labor to machine-based production.
During this time, coal became a crucial energy source for powering steam engines, which were used in factories, mines, and transportation systems. Steam engines revolutionized industry by driving machinery and powering locomotives, thus increasing production and enabling the transportation of goods over long distances.
While wood and gas were used as energy sources during this period, they were not as prevalent or as widely utilized as coal. Wood was the primary energy source before the Industrial Revolution, but it became scarce and costly due to deforestation. Gas, primarily produced from coal (coal gas), was used for lighting and heating, but it was not as significant in powering the machinery and engines that fueled industrial growth.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Coal.