What was one reason the electric light bulb posed a threat to the oil industry?

• A. It was more expensive to use
• B. It was often unreliable
• C. It offered a safer alternative for lighting
• D. It required more maintenance

Answer: (C)

The electric light bulb posed a significant threat to the oil industry primarily because it offered a safer alternative for lighting compared to oil lamps. Oil lamps, while effective, carried risks of fire hazards and included the danger of spills or explosions, which were particularly concerning in households and businesses. The advent of the electric light bulb provided a cleaner and more secure method for illumination, reducing reliance on oil products. As more people began to recognize the advantages of electric lighting,, the demand for oil for lighting purposes began to decline, which threatened the profitability and viability of the oil industry at the time.

In contrast, options that suggest the light bulb was more expensive or unreliable do not capture the fundamental shift in consumer preference toward safety and convenience that electric lighting represented. While maintenance considerations can be relevant, the immediate concern for consumers was the direct safety benefits offered by electric light.