Which statement best defines welding distortion?

• A. A dull weld due to improper filler metal.
• B. Warping from uneven heat input.
• C. Surface rust along the weld.
• D. A void that forms in the weld.

Answer: (B)

Distortion happens when heat from welding causes parts to expand unevenly and then contract as they cool, especially if one side heats more than the other or the pieces are restrained. That uneven heating creates different amounts of expansion and contraction, so the metal ends up bending or warping permanently. The best option states that distortion is warping from uneven heat input, which directly captures both the effect (warping) and the cause (uneven heating). The other choices describe weld quality issues or corrosion, not the shape change caused by heat and restraint.