What is an essential property of rubber that makes it useful in electrical applications?

Rubber's essential property that makes it particularly useful in electrical applications is its effectiveness as a good insulator. This means that rubber does not conduct electricity, which helps prevent electrical currents from passing through unwanted pathways. As a result, rubber is commonly used to coat electrical wires and components to protect both the wires and the people using electrical devices from accidental shocks or short circuits.

The other options do not highlight properties that would support rubber's role in electrical applications. For instance, if rubber conducted electricity, it would pose safety risks and undermine its utility in insulating applications. Generating electricity is not a characteristic of rubber, as it does not have the properties necessary to generate electrical energy. Additionally, rubber is not magnetic, which means it cannot be used in applications that require magnetic properties. The combination of these factors solidifies why rubber is valued primarily for its insulating capabilities in the realm of electrical work.