What does a cutting torch produce that is hot enough to cut steel?

A cutting torch produces a flame that is hot enough to melt steel, which is essential for the cutting process. This type of torch typically uses a fuel gas, such as acetylene, mixed with oxygen to create a flame that can reach temperatures exceeding 3,000 degrees Celsius (5,400 degrees Fahrenheit). The high heat produced by this flame allows the cutting torch to effectively melt through the steel, creating a clean cut as the molten metal is blown away by the oxygen stream used in the process.

The other choices do not accurately describe the function of a cutting torch. A concentrated beam of light may refer to laser cutting technology, not a traditional cutting torch. A high-pressure gas stream is involved in the operation of a cutting torch, but it is the flame that actually does the cutting by melting the steel. Lastly, a thermal spray of molten metal does not pertain to cutting; instead, it refers to processes used in coating or repairing surfaces rather than cutting through materials. Thus, the flame as a melting agent is the core element that enables the cutting of steel with a torch.