The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
Electrical heating devices, such as electric irons, toasters, and heaters, utilize the heating effect of electric current (Joule heating). The materials used for heating elements must possess specific physical and chemical properties to function efficiently and durably at high temperatures.
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Alloys generally exhibit higher resistivity than their constituent pure metals. In an alloy, the irregular arrangement of atoms disrupts the flow of electrons more significantly than in the regular crystal lattice of a pure metal. High resistivity is a desirable property for heating elements because it allows the generation of a significant amount of heat ($H = I^2Rt$) even with a relatively short length of wire.
- Statement 2 is Correct: A critical requirement for heating elements is that they must not oxidize (burn) easily at high temperatures. If a material oxidizes readily, the element would degrade and break quickly when heated. Alloys used in heating devices, such as Nichrome (an alloy of nickel, chromium, manganese, and iron), are specifically chosen because they possess high melting points and do not oxidize readily, even when red hot.
Key Takeaway: Alloys like Nichrome are preferred for electrical heating elements because they possess high resistivity and high resistance to oxidation at elevated temperatures compared to pure metals.