What is defined as a gas that reacts with other elements during the welding process?

The term that describes a gas reacting with other elements during the welding process is known as an active gas. Active gases, such as oxygen or acetylene, can participate in the chemical reactions occurring at the weld pool. This engagement can help in facilitating certain welding processes, enhancing penetration, or improving the quality of the weld in specific applications.

In contrast, inactive gases do not participate chemically with the molten weld pool or the surrounding environment. These gases are typically used to create an inert atmosphere to protect the weld from contamination, but they do not contribute directly to the weld formation. Shielding gases are often inactive; thus, while they serve a critical role in protecting the weld, they don't actively react with other elements during the welding. Non-reactive gases also indicate a lack of chemical activity during the welding process, making them similar to inactive gases in function. Active gases, however, serve the unique purpose of enhancing welding qualities through their reactive properties.