What is soldering?

Soldering is defined as a method of joining metals using a filler material that melts at a lower temperature than the metals being joined. This technique involves heating the metals to be joined along with a filler material, typically solder, which melts and flows into the joint. Once the solder cools and solidifies, it creates a strong electrical and thermal connection between the two metal pieces.

This process is widely used in various industries, including plumbing, electronics, and metalworking, due to its effectiveness in creating durable joints without significantly altering the properties of the base metals involved. The advantages of soldering include its relatively low temperature requirements compared to welding, which can distort or weaken surrounding material.

Other options presented refer to processes that do not accurately describe soldering. For instance, cutting metal and treating or polishing metal surfaces involves different techniques that do not involve the application of filler materials for joining purposes, thus distinguishing those methods from the soldering process.