What does bridge formation refer to in soldering?

Bridge formation in soldering specifically refers to the connection of solder that occurs between adjacent pads on a circuit board. This phenomenon can take place when excessive solder pools between closely spaced pads, creating an unintended electrical connection. Such connections can lead to short circuits and potentially disrupt the functionality of electronic components. Understanding bridge formation is crucial for soldering practice, as it emphasizes the importance of controlling the amount of solder used and ensuring the integrity of joints between individual pads rather than between components themselves. This helps in maintaining clean and reliable soldering work, thereby preventing electrical issues in finalized assemblies.