The heating element in an electric iron is usually made of

The correct answer is Nichrome.

Key Points

• Nichrome is a nickel-chromium alloy and is a common material for heating elements in electrical appliances, including electric irons.
  • It has high electrical resistance and can withstand high temperatures without oxidizing or breaking down.
  • Nichrome, as it is a commonly used material for the heating element in electric irons due to its desirable electrical and thermal properties.
  • The heating element in an electric iron is an alloy consisting of 80% nickel and 20% chromium.
  • The melting point of nichrome is 1400ºC with high resistance which makes this element best for use as a heating element.
  • Nichrome is characterized by a silver-gray color and is resistant to corrosion and wear, being very durable.
  • Its resistance to oxidation makes nichrome a popular material for use in heating elements.
  • Nichrome wire is an ohmic conductor.

Additional Information

• Constantan is a copper-nickel alloy.
  • It is commonly used in resistance wires for temperature measurement devices such as thermocouples.
  • However, it is not commonly used as a heating element in electric irons.
• Tungsten has a very high melting point and is commonly used in incandescent light bulbs.
  • However, it is not commonly used as a heating element in electric irons.
• Copper has a relatively low melting point and is an excellent conductor of electricity, but it is not commonly used as a heating element in electric irons because it does not provide the necessary resistance for effective heating.