Final answer:
Ceramic is ideal for stove tops because it strikes a balance between being a good enough conductor to heat pots efficiently while also being a poor enough conductor to keep the surface relatively cool for safety. It also has a low heat capacity, which prevents prolonged heat retention. The correct answer is d) Ceramic balances conductivity and safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ceramic used in flat-top electric stoves is chosen because it balances conductivity and safety. Ceramic has a lower thermal conductivity compared to metals, which means it does not transfer heat as efficiently.
This characteristic is beneficial because it allows the heating elements to heat the pot directly without making the entire stove top surface hot, ensuring that areas a few centimeters away from the heating element remain cool enough to touch safely.
At the same time, ceramic has better conductivity than materials that are good insulators, allowing the pot to be adequately heated on the burner.
Additionally, ceramic has a relatively low heat capacity, meaning it doesn't store much heat energy, which in turn helps the surface to not remain hot for extended periods once the stove is turned off, further enhancing safety.
It's also worth mentioning that the smooth ceramic surface makes cleaning easier and the aesthetic appeal is often considered more favorable.