Which of the following correctly describes the difference between welding and soldering?

The correct choice highlights a key aspect of welding, which is that it involves the melting of the base metal to create a strong bond between materials. In welding, metals are heated until they reach their melting point and fuse together, often using a filler material to enhance the joint strength. This process is essential in construction and manufacturing where structural integrity is crucial, as welded joints are often stronger than the original materials.

In contrast, soldering operates at lower temperatures and does not involve the melting of the base metals being joined; instead, it uses a filler material, typically a lead or lead-free alloy, which melts and flows into the joint, bonding the components without altering the base materials significantly. This makes soldering ideal for applications like electronics, where the heat-sensitive components cannot tolerate the high temperatures of welding. The distinction is significant because it influences the choice of joining technique based on the materials and the required strength of the connection.