Arc welding produces which of the following?

Arc welding is a process that involves creating an electric arc between the welding electrode and the workpiece. This arc generates a significant amount of heat, which melts the metal at the tip of the electrode as well as the surfaces of the base metals being joined.

The formation of a puddle of molten metal at the electrode tip is a characteristic feature of arc welding. This molten pool is essential for allowing the metal to fuse together upon cooling, resulting in a strong weld. The ability to create and manipulate this molten weld pool is critical in controlling the quality and integrity of the weld.

In contrast, the other options reflect misunderstandings about the arc welding process. For instance, an adhesive reaction does not occur, as welding primarily relies on the melting and solidification of metal rather than adhesion. Additionally, while welds can sometimes exhibit different properties compared to the parent metals, the goal of welding is to achieve a joint with comparable or superior strength. Finally, arc welding typically produces some level of spatter and emits ultraviolet light, which can be harmful without appropriate protective gear. Thus, the correct answer highlights the key aspect of arc welding: the creation of a molten metal puddle essential for fusion.