What kind of fuel does steamboats use?

Answer 1

Steamboats primarily use wood or coal as fuel to generate steam for propulsion. In the early days, wood was the most common fuel, especially in the Mississippi River region, but as technology evolved, coal became the preferred choice due to its higher energy content and efficiency. The steam produced from boiling water in the engine is what powers the paddle wheels or turbines, enabling the steamboat to navigate rivers and lakes.