Directions: For the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) given below, choose the correct alternative. Assertion (A): Silver is not used to make electric wires. Reason (R): Silver is a bad conductor.

Introduction / Context:
This question checks basic physics knowledge about electrical conductivity and also tests logical reasoning in assertion–reason format. It focuses on why certain materials are chosen or not chosen to make everyday electric wires and challenges a common misunderstanding about silver as a conductor of electricity.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Assertion (A): Silver is not used to make electric wires.
• Reason (R): Silver is a bad conductor.
• We assume school level physics ideas about conductors, insulators and economic considerations.
• The goal is to judge the truth of A and R and to see whether R explains A.

Concept / Approach:
First, we must recall which materials are good electrical conductors. Then we think about why copper and aluminium are standard choices for wiring instead of silver or gold, even though those are also metals. Finally, we evaluate whether the given reason matches real scientific and practical explanations. Conductivity and cost both play important roles in such decisions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate Assertion (A). In everyday practice, household and industrial electric wires are made mainly from copper or aluminium, not from silver. So the statement that silver is not used to make electric wires, in common practical wiring, is broadly true.Step 2: Evaluate Reason (R). Silver is in fact one of the best electrical conductors among all metals. Its electrical conductivity is higher than that of copper. Therefore calling silver a bad conductor is scientifically wrong.Step 3: Compare A and R. A is essentially true because silver is not generally used for ordinary wiring. R, however, is false because its claim that silver is a bad conductor contradicts well known physical properties.Step 4: Since R is false, it cannot be a correct explanation of A. The real reasons silver is not commonly used for electric wiring are its high cost and issues of mechanical practicality, not poor conductivity.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can do a quick conceptual check: if silver were a bad conductor, we would never see it used in high quality electrical contacts or specialised components. In reality, silver is used in premium electrical contacts and some specialised applications precisely because of its excellent conductivity. But due to its high price, it is not economical for routine domestic wiring. This confirms that the reason given in R is misleading and incorrect.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a assumes both statements are true and R explains A, which fails because R is not true. Option b still assumes R is true, which is incorrect. Option d suggests that A is false and R is true, but we know that silver is rarely used for wires in normal practice while its conductivity is excellent, so that combination is also wrong.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners quickly associate “not used” with “bad conductor” and accept the reason without recalling that cost, availability and strength are also important engineering factors. It is important to separate economic reasons from physical properties. Always check basic science facts such as conductivity before accepting a reason.

Final Answer:
The correct choice is that Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.