Final answer:
The oxy/fuel cutting process uses oxyacetylene and oxyhydrogen as fuel sources due to their ability to produce high temperatures, essential for metal cutting and welding; liquid oxygen also has applications in the space industry as an oxidizing agent and for life support.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oxy/fuel cutting process primarily uses oxyacetylene and oxyhydrogen torches as fuel sources. These gases are crucial for metal fabrication tasks such as cutting and welding due to the high temperatures they can produce when burnt in the presence of oxygen. For example, when acetylene is mixed with oxygen at a 1:1 ratio, the flame temperature can exceed 3000°C, which is necessary for effectively cutting metal.
Liquid oxygen also plays a vital role in industries beyond metal fabrication. It serves as an oxidizing agent in rocket engines and is essential for life support systems in space due to its conversion to gaseous oxygen. This highlights the versatility of oxygen in various technological applications, from healthcare to space exploration.