Which HTML elements were deprecated in HTML5?

The correct response identifies that the <applet> element was deprecated in HTML5. This element was originally used to embed Java applets into HTML documents, but as web standards evolved, the use of dedicated plugins like Java applets became less common and faced numerous issues, such as security vulnerabilities and lack of support across different browsers. As a result, HTML5 moved toward more standardized ways of embedding content, such as the <embed> and <object> elements, which provide more flexibility and alignment with modern web practices.

In contrast, the <span> and <div> elements remain valid and important parts of HTML5. They serve as generic containers for inline and block-level content, respectively, allowing for effective styling and semantic structure within documents. Likewise, the <font> element was also deprecated in HTML5 due to its limited functionality and the introduction of CSS, which offers far greater control over text presentation, including font styles and colors. However, it was not as widely adopted for current web technologies as the <applet> element, which is why it's essential to understand the context of deprecation relative to their usage and lifecycle in web development.