Of the following materials, which has the poorest wear life for nozzles?

Brass has the poorest wear life for nozzles among the materials listed due to its relatively softer properties compared to the others. When a nozzle operates under high-pressure conditions and is subjected to abrasives within the liquid being sprayed, the material's hardness and resistance to wear come into play.

Ceramic, for instance, is much harder and is known for its exceptional durability and wear resistance. Hardened stainless steel and stainless steel also offer better wear characteristics due to their composite metal properties and heat treatment processes that enhance hardness. Brass, while advantageous for its manufacturability and cost-effectiveness, lacks the hardness necessary to withstand prolonged exposure to wear caused by abrasive materials, making it a less suitable choice for applications that require longevity of nozzles under tough operating conditions.