Final answer:
Oil is the most widely used energy resource in both the United States and the world, surpassing coal and natural gas, mainly due to its dominance in the transportation sector and industrial applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most widely used energy resource in the United States and the world is oil. Although coal is a significant domestic source of energy in the United States, especially for electricity generation, it is oil that takes precedence on a global scale, including in the U.S. for transportation and other energy needs. While coal has historically been used to generate roughly half of the electricity in the United States and holds vast reserves, usage patterns have started to shift towards natural gas due to environmental concerns and natural gas's lower carbon emissions. Additionally, oil's dominance is further reflected in its role as a primary energy source, heavily relied upon for transportation and various industrial processes.
Global energy consumption narratives parallel this pattern, with fossil fuels, dominated by oil, being the primary global energy source. The recent growth of natural gas and solar contributions shows a diversification of energy resources, but oil still maintains its position as the most consumed energy resource worldwide. As demand and technologies evolve, renewable energy sources may continue to gain traction, but currently, oil remains the reigning energy resource.