Which gas is used in Oxygen Arc Cutting (OAC)?

Prepare for the California Welding Contractor Exam (C-60 License) with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each including hints and explanations. Get exam-ready!

Multiple Choice

Which gas is used in Oxygen Arc Cutting (OAC)?

Explanation:
Oxygen serves as the oxidizing agent that makes Oxygen Arc Cutting possible. In this process, the electric arc heats the metal to a high temperature and a jet of pure oxygen is directed at the heated zone. The oxygen reacts chemically with the iron to form iron oxide, which melts and is blown away by the oxygen jet, creating a cut. Other gases listed—nitrogen, argon, and helium—are either inert or nonreactive at cutting temperatures, so they don’t sustain the necessary oxidation reaction or help remove the molten oxide. That reactive, oxide-forming action is why oxygen is the essential gas for this method.

Oxygen serves as the oxidizing agent that makes Oxygen Arc Cutting possible. In this process, the electric arc heats the metal to a high temperature and a jet of pure oxygen is directed at the heated zone. The oxygen reacts chemically with the iron to form iron oxide, which melts and is blown away by the oxygen jet, creating a cut. Other gases listed—nitrogen, argon, and helium—are either inert or nonreactive at cutting temperatures, so they don’t sustain the necessary oxidation reaction or help remove the molten oxide. That reactive, oxide-forming action is why oxygen is the essential gas for this method.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy