In the MMA welding process, what happens to the metal at the joint edges?

In the MMA (Manual Metal Arc) welding process, the metal at the joint edges is indeed melted to form a connection. This process involves the use of a consumable electrode that, when an electric arc is struck between the electrode and the workpiece, generates sufficient heat to melt both the electrode and the base metal at the edges of the joint. As the molten metal from the electrode and the base metal come together, they mix and solidify as the electrode is consumed, resulting in a strong welded joint.

The melting of the base metal is crucial as it allows the two pieces being joined to fuse together, creating a continuous bond that has the desired mechanical properties. Proper control of the welding technique, such as the angle of the electrode and the welding speed, affects the quality and strength of the weld.

Other options describe parts of the welding process incorrectly. The metal does not remain solid and unaltered since the primary goal is to achieve melting for a strong connection. Cooling occurs after the welding is done, not immediately while molten, and the presence of slag relates to the protective layer over the weld but does not describe the direct action occurring at the edges during the welding process itself.