What characteristic of ceramics makes them particularly useful?

Ceramics are particularly useful in various applications due to their remarkable resistance to wear and their ability to maintain stability at high temperatures. This characteristic is essential in many industries, such as manufacturing, aerospace, and electronics, where materials are subjected to extreme conditions.

The resistance to wear makes ceramics ideal for applications where abrasion and degradation are common, such as in cutting tools or protective coatings. Additionally, their high-temperature stability allows them to be used in environments that experience significant heat exposure without compromising their structural integrity. This is critical for components such as insulators in electrical applications or components in engines that must endure high thermal conditions.

In contrast, the other options—such as absorbing moisture, changing shape, or exhibiting flexibility under stress—do not capture the defining and practical characteristics of ceramics that contribute to their utility in demanding and diverse applications.