Final answer:
The process described is arc welding, where an electrical arc melts both the work materials and a filler material to create a weld. This should not be confused with electroplating, which deposits material onto a surface for protection or decoration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process that involves the fusion of metals by heating them with electricity generated between an electrode and the surface of the base metal is known as arc welding. Arc welding utilizes an electrical arc to melt the work materials as well as filler material (sometimes called the welding rod) for welding joints. This type of welding is a common and versatile method among the several welding techniques available. In contrast to arc welding, electroplating involves the deposition of a material onto the surface of a metal typically for protective or decorative purposes. Soldering and brazing, unlike arc welding, use a metal with a lower melting point than the base metal to bond the pieces without melting the base metal.