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?

Answer 1

The visible changes in the properties of the metal, such as glowing and increased malleability, are a result of changes on a microscopic level.

When the blacksmith strikes the metal with a hammer, it causes deformation of the metal at a microscopic level. This deformation leads to the breaking of atomic bonds within the metal lattice structure, generating internal defects and dislocations.

As the hammer strikes continue, the energy is transferred to the metal, increasing its internal energy and overall temperature. This increase in temperature leads to the atoms and ions within the metal gaining kinetic energy, resulting in increased vibration and movement of particles.

The increased movement of particles within the metal lattice causes the formation and movement of vacancies, interstitial atoms, and grain boundaries. This ultimately leads to a rearrangement of atoms, improving the mobility of atoms and allowing for a higher degree of plasticity or malleability.

Additionally, the increased temperature promotes diffusion within the metal, allowing atoms and ions to move more freely. This diffusion can lead to the elimination or reduction of defects and dislocations, further enhancing the metal's malleability.

Overall, the microscopic changes involving deformation, atomic rearrangements, increased mobility, and diffusion contribute to the visible changes in the properties of the metal, such as glowing and increased malleability, when subjected to repeated strikes by a blacksmith's hammer.

Answer 2

The answers for the whole quick check is actually :

1. Which option is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance? Answer is: Temperature
2. 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? Answer is: The average speed of the particles increased.
3. Which statement best describes heat? Answer is: Heat flows from hot to cold and is the transfer of thermal energy.
4. What is thermal energy? Answer is: the total kinetic energy of all particles in a substance

These answers are for the "Matter and Temperature Quick Check."

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