Question

before the 1800s, most boats were powered by oars, sails, or moving water. when those power sources were unavailable, boats could not travel.
in 1787, john fitch sailed the first steamboat between pennsylvania and new jersey.
then, in 1807, robert fulton improved the steamboat and created the first successful steamboat business, sailing from new york city up and down the hudson river. this diagram shows the engine and paddlewheel of a steamboat.
to describe how the steamboat worked, place the following steps in order.
earlier
a hole in the boiler was opened, and steam rushed out, turning two paddlewheels.
a wood or coal fire was used to heat water in a tank called a boiler.
the paddlewheels propelled the boat through the water, even upstream or into the wind.
the water expanded, boiled, and turned to steam, creating pressure inside the boiler.
later

Explanation:

The steps follow the logical sequence of how a steamboat operates: starting with heating the boiler, generating steam pressure, releasing steam to turn paddlewheels, and finally the paddlewheels moving the boat.

Answer:

Earlier

1. A wood or coal fire was used to heat water in a tank called a boiler.
2. The water expanded, boiled, and turned to steam, creating pressure inside the boiler.
3. A hole in the boiler was opened, and steam rushed out, turning two paddlewheels.
4. The paddlewheels propelled the boat through the water, even upstream or into the wind.

Later