A blacksmith strikes a piece of metal with a hammer repeatedly. The metal slowly begins to glow as

Question

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

Answer 1

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

As the blacksmith strikes the metal, energy from the hammer blow is transferred to the metal, increasing the kinetic energy of its particles. This increase in kinetic energy results in an increase in the average speed of the particles, which in turn raises the temperature of the metal. The increased temperature makes the metal more malleable, enabling it to be shaped more easily.