A household circuit uses thick copper conductors, but the fuse element is made of a much thinner wire of the same length. Which statement gives the most appropriate reason for choosing a thinner wire for the fuse?
(a) A thinner wire contains less metal, so its melting point is lower and it melts first when current rises.
(b) A thinner wire has larger resistance, so it heats up quickly and melts first when current exceeds the safe limit.
(c) A thinner wire has higher resistance, so it allows less current to flow and protects devices without needing to melt.
(d) A thinner wire offers lower resistance because electrons face less obstruction, so it overheats and breaks the circuit.