Arc welding or stick welding is a type of welding that utilizes an electrical current to create an arc of high temperature between a welding electrode and the metal being welded.  

It was one of the essential foundations of the  industrial revolution and more information about its history can be found here

This high-temperature arc melts the metal and fuses it together, creating a strong and durable bond. Arc welding is a versatile and popular method of welding used in a variety of industries including construction, manufacturing, and automotive repair.

The process of arc welding involves several components: the welding electrode, the power source, and the metal being welded. The welding electrode is a metal rod or wire that is coated with a flux material. The flux material helps to shield the welding area from the atmosphere, preventing contamination and ensuring a clean and strong weld. The power source supplies the electrical current needed to create the arc, while the metal being welded provides the material to be fused together.

The welding electrode is connected to the positive terminal of the power source, while the metal being welded is connected to the negative terminal. When the welding electrode is brought into contact with the metal, a circuit is created, and an electrical current flows through the electrode and into the metal. This current creates an intense heat, which melts the metal and creates a pool of molten metal that can be used to fuse two pieces of metal together.

There are several different types of arc welding, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). Each type of welding has its own advantages and disadvantages and is used in different situations depending on the needs of the project.

Shielded metal arc welding, also known as stick welding, is one of the most common types of arc welding. In this method, the welding electrode is a metal rod coated with a flux material. The rod is held in a holder, which is connected to the positive terminal of the power source. When the rod is brought into contact with the metal being welded, an electrical current flows through the rod and into the metal, creating an arc of high temperature. The heat melts the metal, creating a pool of molten metal that can be used to fuse two pieces of metal together.

One of the advantages of shielded metal arc welding is that it is a relatively simple and inexpensive method of welding. The equipment required for stick welding is relatively simple and easy to use, and the welding electrodes are widely available and affordable. However, stick welding can be difficult to master, and it requires a high degree of skill and experience to create a clean and strong weld.