Practice Questions with Solutions Newest 2026 2027 Already Graded A+
Section 1: Welding Fundamentals & Arc Physics (Questions 1-15)
Question 1
A welding arc consists of:
A) Low current and high voltage
B) High current and low voltage
C) High current and high voltage
D) Low current and low voltage
Answer: B
Rationale: A welding arc is an electrical discharge that requires high current
(typically 50-500+ amps) and relatively low voltage (15-40 volts). The high current
provides the heat energy needed to melt metal, while the voltage maintains the
arc length. The combination of high current and low voltage characterizes the
"drooping" or constant current characteristics of many welding power sources .
Question 2
When an arc is formed between two electrodes:
,A) Electricity flows from the negative cathode to the positive anode
B) Electricity flows from the positive cathode to the negative anode
C) Electricity flows at random between the anode and cathode
D) Electricity stops flowing once the arc is established
Answer: A
Rationale: In arc welding, conventional current flow is from the negative terminal
(cathode) to the positive terminal (anode). This directionality affects heat
distribution, with approximately two-thirds of arc heat generated at the anode in
DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative) and two-thirds at the electrode in DCEP
.
Question 3
In welding, the arc is intensely hot with temperatures exceeding:
A) 20,000 °C (36,000 °F)
B) 30,000 °C (54,000 °F)
C) 33,000 °C (60,000 °F)
D) 40,000 °C (72,000 °F)
,Answer: B
Rationale: Welding arcs reach temperatures of approximately 30,000°C
(54,000°F), which is several times hotter than the surface of the sun. This extreme
temperature is necessary to melt base metals and filler materials quickly and
create a molten weld pool .
Question 4
Welding power sources are broadly classified as:
A) Constant current and variable voltage
B) Variable current and constant voltage
C) Variable current and variable voltage
D) Constant current and constant voltage
Answer: D
Rationale: Welding power sources are classified as either Constant Current (CC) or
Constant Voltage (CV). CC machines maintain relatively stable current despite
voltage fluctuations, making them ideal for SMAW ("stick") welding where manual
arc length changes occur. CV machines maintain stable voltage and are used for
, semiautomatic processes like GMAW (MIG) and FCAW where wire feed speed
controls current .
Question 5
A CC (Constant Current) power source helps to:
A) Maintain a nearly constant voltage even if current changes
B) Maintain a nearly constant welding current even if voltage (arc length) changes
C) Automatically adjust wire feed speed
D) Provide high frequency for arc starting
Answer: B
Rationale: Constant Current power sources are designed to maintain a stable
current output despite variations in arc length (which affects voltage). This is
essential for manual processes like SMAW where the welder's hand movement
causes arc length changes. The CC characteristic ensures consistent heat input
regardless of minor arc length variations .
Question 6
The two main methods of arc shielding are: