Answer:
d) It was used to power new machines
Step-by-step explanation:
Coal was used to power new machines during the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 18th century and spread to other parts of the world, was characterized by the development of new manufacturing processes and the widespread use of machines to increase productivity. Coal played a critical role in this transformation, as it was used to power steam engines that drove machines in factories, mines, and transportation systems. This allowed for the mass production of goods and the rapid expansion of industry and trade. Coal was also a major factor in the development of iron and steel industries, as it was used to smelt iron ore and produce steel. The availability of cheap and abundant coal helped to make Britain the world's first industrialized nation, and it continued to be a key source of energy throughout the Industrial Revolution and beyond.