What is a common use for integrated circuits?

Integrated circuits, or ICs, are widely used in consumer electronics and appliances due to their compact size, reliability, and efficiency. They allow manufacturers to incorporate complex circuitry into small form factors, making it feasible to design sophisticated devices such as smartphones, televisions, microwaves, and many other household gadgets that require management of various electronic functions.

The versatility of integrated circuits enables them to handle multiple functions—such as amplification, data processing, and signal modulation—within a single chip, which is essential for modern consumer products that demand multi-functional capabilities. This integration minimizes space and reduces the number of individual components needed, leading to not only lower production costs but also increased performance and durability.

While integrated circuits can indeed be used in power supplies, manual data processing does not utilize ICs due to its requirement for mechanical parts and human interaction. Additionally, while some computing devices can operate as stand-alone units, the commonality and widespread application of integrated circuits in consumer electronics and appliances make option B the most fitting choice.