A blacksmith strikes a piece

Question

of metal with a hammer
repeatedly. The metal
slowly begins to glow as the
temperature increases, and
the metal becomes more
malleable. Which changes
on a microscopic level led
to the visible changes in the
properties of the metal?
The potential
energy of the
particles
decreased.
The individual
temperature of the
particles increased.
The average speed
of the particles
increased.
The kinetic energy
of the particles
decreased.

Answer 1

The correct statement that reflects the changes on a microscopic level leading to the visible changes in the properties of the metal is:

The average speed of the particles increased.

As the blacksmith strikes the metal, the repeated hammering increases the energy supplied to the metal, which in turn raises the temperature. This increase in temperature causes the average speed of the particles to increase, resulting in greater kinetic energy of those particles. With higher kinetic energy, the metal becomes more malleable and eventually glows due to the increased thermal energy.

The other options either do not accurately represent the effects of heating on the atomic level or are incorrect in the context provided.