Which of the following is a welding defect that might appear in a welded joint?

• A. All of the Above
• B. Shrinkage
• C. Seams
• D. Laps

Answer: (A)

This item tests recognizing that multiple conditions can be welding defects in a joint. Shrinkage happens as the weld cools and contracts, which can cause distortion, residual stresses, or cracks that weaken the joint. A seam defect means the weld seam isn’t properly fused or continuous, leading to gaps, underfill, or misalignment that compromise integrity. A lap occurs when weld metal overlaps onto the base metal instead of fusing correctly, creating a thin, uneven area that is prone to failure. Each of these can appear in a welded joint under the right (or wrong) conditions, so all of these are potential defects.