Final answer:
Petroleum products dominate energy usage primarily due to their ease of storage and transport, cost advantages, and efficiency for transportation and industrial applications. The infrastructure developed around petroleum, coupled with its high energy density, has entrenched its use in modern society. However, these factors may change as alternative energy technologies improve and the full costs of fossil fuel usage are recognized.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options provided for why petroleum-related products continue to dominate energy usage, the best explanation would involve a combination of factors, particularly the ease of storage and transport (Option A), the current cost advantages (Option C), and the efficiency particularly for transportation and industrial use (Option D). Petroleum's superior energy density and the infrastructure developed for its extraction, refining, and distribution contribute to its dominion. Its convenient liquid state and high energy content make it ideal for transportation fuels, while its versatility makes it essential for industrial processes, including the production of plastics and other synthetic materials.
Furthermore, petroleum's energy storage properties allow it to be stored and transported safely and effectively without significant energy loss, unlike some alternative energy carriers such as batteries or hydrogen. This is because petroleum, as a form of fossil fuel, represents a form of long-term storage of ancient sunlight, buried underground for millions of years and providing higher energy densities than current battery technologies.
Lastly, while economics can fluctuate, historically, the cost factor has been significant, as oil has often been cheaper when compared to other energy sources, making it the preferred choice for many industries and countries. However, it's important to note that this situation is subject to change as technology advances and the true costs of fossil fuels—including environmental impact—are increasingly accounted for.