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

1 answer

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

As the blacksmith strikes the metal with a hammer, energy is transferred to the particles of the metal, increasing their kinetic energy. This results in an increase in the average speed of the particles, which correlates to an increase in temperature. As the temperature rises, the metal becomes more malleable, allowing for shaping and forming processes to occur more easily.