The correct answer is: D. nichrome
Nichrome is a nickel-chromium alloy that is commonly used in the manufacture of standard resistors. It is a good conductor of electricity and has a high resistance to corrosion. Nichrome is also relatively inexpensive and easy to work with.
Platinum is a noble metal that is also used in the manufacture of resistors. However, platinum is more expensive than nichrome and is not as corrosion-resistant. Silver is another noble metal that is used in the manufacture of resistors. However, silver is more expensive than both nichrome and platinum and is not as corrosion-resistant as either of these metals. Manganin is an alloy of copper, manganese, and nickel. It is a good conductor of electricity and has a high resistance to corrosion. However, manganin is more expensive than nichrome and is not as widely available.
In conclusion, nichrome is the best material for making standard resistors because it is a good conductor of electricity, has a high resistance to corrosion, is relatively inexpensive, and easy to work with.