Question

How does the atomic hydrogen or oxy-hydrogen torch function for cutting and welding purposes? Explain.

Answer 1

To produce atomic hydrogen, molecular hydrogen is passed through an electric arc struck between tungsten electrodes at $3773-4273$ K. Atomic hydrogen has very small lifetime ($0.3$ sec). It gets converted into molecular hydrogen and liberates large amount of energy. This energy is used for cutting or welding purposes in the form of atomic hydrogen torch.