Arc welding — typical temperature range of an electric arc In manual metal arc or similar arc welding processes, the temperature in the arc column is generally of the order of:

Introduction / Context:
Arc welding relies on a high-temperature plasma arc that melts base metal and electrode to form a weld pool. An appreciation of arc temperature aids in process selection and heat input control.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Conventional arc processes (SMAW/MMA, GMAW, GTAW arc column).
• Typical industrial settings, not high-energy plasma jets.
• Temperature asked is the arc column temperature, not the workpiece bulk temperature.

Concept / Approach:
The electric arc produces a plasma with very high temperatures. For common welding arcs, the arc column temperature lies broadly between 6000° C and 7000° C. Localised metal at the anode/cathode spots can be even hotter, but the broadly cited figure for the arc itself is in this range, enabling rapid melting and fusion.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify process: arc welding.Recall typical plasma arc temperature range.Select 6000° C to 7000° C as the accepted range.

Verification / Alternative check:
Educational references list approximately 6000° C to 7000° C for the arc, distinguishing it clearly from gas flame temperatures.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Lower ranges listed are more characteristic of hot flames; they underestimate the plasma arc temperature used in fusion welding.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating arc temperature with weld pool temperature; the pool is lower due to heat distribution and conduction into the work.

Final Answer:
6000° C to 7000° C