The petroleum product that has replaced coal-tar for metalling the road is ________.

• A. peat
• B. bitumen
• C. lignite
• D. anthracite

The petroleum product that has replaced coal-tar for metalling roads is bitumen. This material is preferred due to its durability and water-resistant properties, making it ideal for road construction.

Why Bitumen?

Bitumen offers several advantages over coal-tar:

• Durability: It withstands heavy traffic and weather conditions.
• Water Resistance: Helps prevent water damage to roads.
• Environmental Impact: Generally considered less harmful than coal-tar.

Other Options Explained

Here’s a brief overview of the other options:

• Peat: An organic material, not suitable for road construction.
• Lignite: A type of coal, primarily used for energy, not for metalling roads.
• Anthracite: A hard coal, used mainly for heating and not for road surfaces.

In summary, bitumen is the correct choice for modern road metalling, replacing coal-tar effectively.