The heating element in an electric iron is usually made of

The heating element in an electric iron is usually made of

Constantan
Tungsten
Nichrome
Copper
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2023
The heating element in an electric iron is usually made of Nichrome.
Nichrome is an alloy primarily composed of nickel and chromium. It is chosen for heating elements because it has a high electrical resistance, allowing it to efficiently convert electrical energy into heat. It also has a high melting point and resistance to oxidation at high temperatures, ensuring durability and safety during operation.
Other materials like Constantan also have high resistance but are less commonly used for high-temperature heating elements compared to Nichrome. Tungsten has a very high melting point and is used for filaments in incandescent light bulbs, but not typically for resistive heating elements like those in irons or toasters. Copper has low resistance and is used for electrical wiring, not for generating heat.