A blacksmith strikes a piece 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? (1 point)

Question

Responses

The kinetic energy of the particles decreased.
The kinetic energy of the particles decreased.

The individual temperature of the particles increased.
The individual temperature of the particles increased.

The potential energy of the particles decreased.
The potential energy of the particles decreased.

The average speed of the particles increased.

Answer 1

The correct response is: The average speed of the particles increased.

As the blacksmith strikes the metal, energy is transferred to the metal, increasing the kinetic energy of the particles, which in turn increases their average speed. This increase in kinetic energy leads to a rise in temperature, making the metal more malleable as the particles can move more easily past one another.