Directions: Read the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) carefully and choose the correct alternative. Assertion (A): The steam engine is credited as an important invention by James Watt. Reason (R): There was a serious practical problem of removing water from flooded mines, which encouraged the development of efficient steam engines.

Introduction / Context:
This Assertion and Reason question is drawn from the history of science and technology. It concerns the steam engine and the role of James Watt, as well as the industrial need that drove improvements in steam power. While earlier forms of steam engines existed, Watt s improvements had a large impact on the Industrial Revolution. The question asks you to connect Watt s work with the practical problem of pumping water from mines.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Assertion (A): The steam engine was invented by James Watt, in the sense that he is widely associated with its development.
• Reason (R): There was a serious problem of taking out water from flooded mines.
• Earlier engines like the Newcomen engine were used to pump water from mines.
• Watt made major improvements that increased efficiency and usefulness of steam engines.

Concept / Approach:
From an exam oriented perspective, James Watt is often credited with the steam engine, although historically he improved existing designs. The key is that his work made steam engines more practical and efficient. The need to pump water out of coal and metal mines was a major driver for steam engine development in Britain. So we must see whether the Reason about flooded mines gives the correct background for Watt s work on steam engines.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Assertion (A) reflects the common textbook statement that James Watt invented or is the main inventor of the steam engine. For general knowledge level, learners are taught to associate Watt strongly with the steam engine, so the Assertion is treated as true in this context. Step 2: Reason (R) states that there was a problem of taking out water from flooded mines. Historically, deep coal and metal mines in Britain frequently filled with water. Step 3: This flooding limited the depth and productivity of mines, so an efficient mechanical method to pump out water was extremely valuable. Step 4: Early steam engines such as those by Newcomen were used for pumping, but they were inefficient. James Watt improved the design by introducing separate condensers and other innovations, making steam engines more efficient and useful for different industrial purposes. Step 5: The need to solve the mine flooding problem created strong demand and funding for steam engine development, including Watt s contributions. Step 6: Therefore Reason (R) is true and correctly describes a major driving force behind Watt s work on steam engines, thereby explaining the importance of his invention or improvement.

Verification / Alternative check:
History of science books and school textbooks often mention mine dewatering as one of the earliest and most important applications of steam engines. They explain how Watt s design improvements allowed more efficient use of steam and how this supported both mining and factory systems. This background aligns well with the Reason given and supports its role as an explanation for the Assertion.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options that say Assertion (A) is false would contradict the conventional school level narrative, where James Watt and the steam engine are closely linked. Options that deny the truth of Reason (R) ignore the widely documented problem of water in mines and its role in the development of early industrial machinery. Therefore only the option where Reason correctly explains Assertion fits both historical facts and typical exam expectations.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may know that Watt did not literally create the very first steam engine and therefore think the Assertion is technically false. However, for standard general knowledge questions, the focus is on his major contribution, and textbooks often simplify by calling him the inventor. It is important to answer according to that level of simplification in competitive exams.

Final Answer:
Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A), so the correct option is Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A).