What does the term arc welding encompass?

The term arc welding encompasses a variety of processes that use an electric arc to generate heat, which is then used to join materials, typically metals. In these processes, electricity is passed through an electrode, creating an arc between the electrode and the workpiece. This intense heat causes the materials to melt and form a fusion bond. Additionally, sometimes filler metal is added to enhance the joint strength or fill gaps in the materials being welded.

Answer choice C accurately describes arc welding as involving both heat and, potentially, filler metal to achieve the bonding of materials, making it a comprehensive definition of the various techniques that fall under the arc welding umbrella. This is essential as arc welding itself includes different methods, such as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), among others, all of which utilize the principles of an electric arc to achieve coalescence.

The other choices do not accurately reflect what arc welding encompasses:

• The first option implies only non-pressure methods, which is misleading as arc welding can be categorized by both the presence of pressure and the melting of materials.
• The second option describes a method for bonding plastics, which is outside the realm of arc welding