Final answer:
The correct option is (c). Solvent cement is used to fuse plastic pipes by softening them to create a weld once it evaporates; it is distinct from adhesives like epoxy and is specific to the type of plastic like PVC.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of cement used to fuse the surfaces of plastic pipe and fittings by softening and joining the surfaces is c) Solvent cement. Unlike epoxy, which is a type of structural adhesive formed by reacting polyepoxides with polyfunctional hardeners, solvent cement works by softening the plastic, which allows it to weld together with the fitting.
It is not an adhesive in the conventional sense because it essentially melds the pieces of plastic together into a single piece once the solvent evaporates. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) refers to a type of plastic and not the cement itself. Solvent cement is specifically formulated for the type of plastic it will be joining, such as PVC, CPVC, or ABS.