Verified Solution Science Electricity: Magnetic and Heating Effects

Why is nichrome alloy commonly used for the heating elements in electric toasters and heaters, instead of pure copper?

4 views 1 helpful Updated Jun 30, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • ANichrome is a good conductor of electricity.
  • BNichrome has a very high melting point and high resistivity, producing more heat.
  • CNichrome is cheaper than copper.
  • DNichrome is non-magnetic, so it doesn't interfere with other components.
Explanation

Nichrome has a high electrical resistance (resistivity), which means it produces a significant amount of heat (H=I²Rt) when current passes through it. It also has a high melting point, preventing it from melting at the high temperatures required for heating.

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