What flows along an ionized gas column in GTAW?

• A. Shielding gas flow
• B. Ionized gas pressure
• C. Tungsten deposit
• D. Welding current

Answer: (D)

In GTAW, the electric welding current flows through the plasma, which is the ionized gas column between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece. This ionized gas conducts electricity and carries the current from the electrode to the workpiece, providing the heat that melts the metal. The shielding gas simply surrounds and protects the arc from the atmosphere; it does not carry the welding current. Tungsten deposits aren’t what transport the current either.