Final answer:
Connecting a 120V heating cable to a 240V circuit would likely lead to the cable not functioning properly due to overheating, which might damage the cable and potentially cause a short circuit if the components fail.
Step-by-step explanation:
Connecting a 120V heating cable to a 240V circuit would not function properly (option d). Electrical devices like heating cables are designed to operate at specific voltages. When a device is connected to a voltage that is double its rated value, the power output P (which is proportional to the voltage squared, P = V²/R where R is resistance) will increase by a factor of four, assuming the resistance remains constant. This excessive power can cause the heating element to overheat rapidly, potentially leading to damage to the cable and surrounding materials. It may not necessarily cause a short circuit immediately, as that would require a low-resistance path to form directly between the supply terminals, but it can lead to insulation breakdown and subsequent short circuits if the cable overheats and components fail.