Which of the following is a sign of a poor cutting flame?

A poor cutting flame is characterized by certain indicators that suggest the flame is not functioning effectively, which can lead to unsatisfactory cutting results.

Excessive smoke is one of the primary signs of a cutting flame that is too carburizing or has a fuel-rich composition. This smoke indicates incomplete combustion of the fuel, which can affect the quality of the cut and lead to undesirable surface conditions.

A bright yellow color in the flame is another indicator of a poor cutting flame. This yellow hue often signifies that there is an excess of acetylene or that the flame is not achieving the proper balance between fuel and oxygen. An ideal cutting flame should be more focused and produce a clear, defined inner cone rather than a bright yellow color.

In addition, sharp edges are typically an indicator of a good cutting flame, so their presence is not a sign of a poor flame condition. Instead, a clean and well-defined cut is usually expected.

Considering all these factors, recognizing multiple signs together, such as excessive smoke and a bright yellow color, reinforces that the flame is not optimal for effective cutting. Thus, selecting all indicators as signs of a poor cutting flame communicates an understanding of these critical characteristics to look out for during cutting operations.