A metal that is widely used in the manufacture of paints and overhead electric cables is

Step 1: Analyze the question We need a metal used for BOTH (i) paints and (ii) overhead electric cables.

Step 2: Concept The metal for overhead cables should be a good conductor, light in weight, and resistant to corrosion. Aluminium fits this well, and it's why the national grid's high-tension cables are made of aluminium (often with a steel core for strength).

For paints, aluminium powder is used to make "aluminium paint" (silver paint), which is applied to pipes, tanks, and radiators because it reflects heat and protects against corrosion.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Aluminium: Light, a good conductor, and corrosion-resistant because of its protective oxide layer. It is used in overhead cables and in aluminium paint. ✔
• B. Copper: An excellent conductor, but it is heavy and expensive for overhead lines. It is mostly used for household wiring. Copper compounds are used in some pigments, but copper metal is not mainly known for paints.
• C. Iron: A poor conductor compared with the others. It is used in construction, and iron oxides are used as pigments, but it is not used for cables.
• D. Lead: Lead compounds (white lead) were used in paints, but lead is a poor conductor and very heavy, so it is not used for overhead cables.

Step 4: Answer The metal that fits both uses is aluminium (A).

Tip: Link "overhead cables" with "light and conducting" and think of aluminium. Remember that copper is for indoor wiring and aluminium is for overhead lines. If a WASSCE question mentions both paint and cables, aluminium is the answer.