Question 9/Multiple Choice Worth 4 points) [RM.03]Coal is a fossil fuel which is used to produce electricity. Which of these statements best describes an outcome of coal mining ng on the region around the mines? It gets abundant electricity. It becomes rich in minerals. Its groundwater is contaminated Its rivers and streams become dry

## Step 1<br />The question is asking about the environmental impact of coal mining on the surrounding region. The options provided are:<br />- It gets abundant electricity.<br />- It becomes rich in minerals.<br />- Its groundwater is contaminated.<br />- Its rivers and streams become dry.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The first two options, "It gets abundant electricity" and "It becomes rich in minerals", are not direct outcomes of coal mining. While coal mining does contribute to the production of electricity, it does not necessarily make the region rich in minerals.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The last two options, "Its groundwater is contaminated" and "Its rivers and streams become dry", are potential negative impacts of coal mining. However, the question asks for the best description of an outcome of coal mining.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The best description of an outcome of coal mining is "Its groundwater is contaminated". This is because coal mining can lead to the contamination of groundwater due to the release of harmful chemicals and heavy metals from the mined coal.