How can excessive solder negatively affect a solder joint?

Excessive solder can create several negative effects on a solder joint, and one of the primary concerns is that it can lead to bridging and increased mechanical stress. When there is too much solder, it can overflow onto adjacent pads or leads, causing solder bridges. This occurs when solder connects two or more unintended electrical points, which could result in short circuits and malfunctioning of the circuit. Additionally, an excessive amount of solder can introduce mechanical stress due to uneven distribution of solder and differences in thermal expansion coefficients between the materials involved. This stress can compromise the integrity of the joint over time, leading to failure.

Contrast this with the other options. Overly high solder volume does not improve thermal conductivity, as excessive material can act as an insulator rather than enhancing heat transfer. Similarly, while a strong solder joint is desirable, excessive solder does not guarantee strength—instead, it can create weaknesses. Regarding the claim that excess solder makes soldering faster and easier, handling too much solder can actually complicate the process, requiring more cleanup and precision to avoid the issues mentioned above.