Which of the following is a common application for electric heating elements?

Heating water in a tank is a common application for electric heating elements because these elements are designed to convert electrical energy into heat. This process is crucial in various water heating applications, especially in residential and commercial settings.

Electric heating elements provide a consistent and efficient way to maintain the desired water temperature within a tank. They are often utilized in electric water heaters, where they are immersed in the water or positioned at the bottom of the tank. When activated, the elements heat the water until it reaches the set temperature, making this method effective for both residential use—like in domestic hot water supplies—and industrial applications.

In contrast, the other options listed involve functions that are not suited for electric heating elements. Cooling a space refers more to refrigerative systems rather than heating, while dehumidifying air typically involves the use of evaporator coils or other desiccating systems. Filtering airborne particles is unrelated to heating and pertains to air quality systems like HVAC filters.