Final answer:
Coal is widely used around the world due to its ease of exploitation, little need for refining, easy transportation, and abundance. However, coal has a low energy density compared to other fossil fuels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reasons why coal is widely used around the world include:
- Resources are relatively easy to exploit. Coal is abundant in many countries, including the United States, and can be easily extracted.
- Coal needs little refining. Unlike oil, coal does not require extensive refining processes before it can be used as a fuel source.
- Coal is easily transported. Coal can be transported via ships, trains, and trucks, allowing for efficient distribution to power plants and other consumers.
- Coal is plentiful. There are large reserves of coal worldwide, making it a reliable and readily available energy source.
The one reason that does not support the widespread use of coal is that coal has a low energy density compared to other fossil fuels like oil and natural gas.