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) Responses The average speed of the particles increased. The average speed of the particles increased. The individual temperature of the particles increased. The individual temperature of the particles increased. The kinetic energy of the particles decreased. The kinetic energy of the particles decreased. The potential energy of the particles decreased. The potential energy of the particles decreased.

Answer 1

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

As the blacksmith strikes the metal, thermal energy is transferred to the metal, causing the temperature to rise. This increase in temperature is associated with an increase in the average speed of the particles (atoms and molecules) in the metal. As their speed increases, the particles gain kinetic energy, which contributes to the metal becoming more malleable and ultimately leads to the visible glowing of the metal due to increased thermal radiation.