Why are the heating elements of electric toasters and electric irons made of an alloy rather than a pure metal ?

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Alloys**: An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, where at least one of them is a metal. Alloys are often designed to enhance certain properties compared to pure metals.

2. **High Resistivity**: The heating elements of electric toasters and electric irons are made from alloys because they have higher electrical resistivity compared to pure metals. High resistivity means that the material can convert electrical energy into heat more effectively.

3. **Melting Point Considerations**: Alloys typically have higher melting points than pure metals. This is crucial for heating elements, as they need to withstand high temperatures without melting or deforming during operation.

...