Directions: For the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) below, choose the correct alternative. Assertion (A): Pressure cookers are fitted with ebonite handles. Reason (R): Ebonite is strong.

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the Assertion and Reason type, where you must judge both the truth of the assertion and the reason, and also decide whether the reason correctly explains the assertion. The topic here is about the material used for pressure cooker handles. Understanding basic properties of materials such as ebonite, particularly thermal conductivity and strength, is important for answering this correctly.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Assertion (A): Pressure cookers are fitted with ebonite handles. - Reason (R): Ebonite is strong. - Ebonite is a hard, durable form of rubber that is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. - Pressure cookers operate at high temperatures and must be handled safely by users.

Concept / Approach:
In Assertion and Reason questions, the first step is to evaluate whether the assertion is factually correct. The second step is to evaluate whether the reason is correct. Finally, we check whether the reason given is the true scientific or logical explanation of the assertion. Pressure cooker handles are designed for safe handling under high temperature conditions, so the main property needed is low thermal conductivity and heat resistance rather than mere mechanical strength.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate Assertion (A). It is true that pressure cookers commonly have handles made from ebonite or similar heat resistant insulating materials. This allows people to lift and move the cooker even when its metallic body is very hot. Step 2: Evaluate Reason (R). Ebonite is indeed a relatively strong and hard material compared to ordinary rubber. It is tough and can withstand mechanical stress to a reasonable degree, so the statement that ebonite is strong is factually correct. Step 3: Decide whether R correctly explains A. The primary reason for using ebonite in cooker handles is that ebonite is a poor conductor of heat and electricity and can withstand heat without becoming too soft or deforming. This makes it safe to hold even when the cooker body is hot. While its strength is helpful for durability, it is not the main reason for choosing ebonite over other materials. Step 4: Therefore, although both the assertion and the reason are individually true, the reason does not provide the correct explanation for why pressure cookers specifically use ebonite handles.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think of other materials that are strong but conduct heat well, such as metals like steel. Even though they are strong, they are not used as bare handles because they would become too hot to touch safely. On the other hand, many plastic and rubber materials that are not extremely strong are still used for handles because they do not conduct heat. This shows clearly that low thermal conductivity and heat resistance are the key design considerations, with mechanical strength as a secondary requirement. This comparison confirms that the strength of ebonite alone is not the correct explanation for the assertion.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Saying that A is false would be incorrect because pressure cookers do have ebonite or similar insulating handles. - Saying that R is false would also be incorrect because ebonite is in fact strong and durable. - Claiming that R is the correct explanation of A is wrong because the crucial property for cooker handles is poor heat conduction, not simply strength. - The option that both A and R are false is clearly inconsistent with basic science and common household experience.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to assume that if both A and R are true, then R must automatically be the correct explanation of A. However, for Assertion and Reason questions, it is vital to check whether the reason addresses the main scientific cause behind the assertion. Another pitfall is to focus on one property such as strength and ignore more relevant properties like thermal insulation. Carefully recalling why certain materials are chosen for specific applications helps avoid such traps.

Final Answer:
Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion, so the correct choice is Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.