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 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 kinetic energy of the particles decreased.
The kinetic 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, the energy from the hammer blows is transferred to the particles of the metal, increasing their kinetic energy. This increase in kinetic energy leads to an increase in the average speed of the particles, which in turn raises the temperature of the metal and makes it more malleable.