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 potential energy of the particles decreased.
The potential energy of the particles decreased.
The average speed of the particles increased.
The average speed of the particles increased.
The kinetic energy of the particles decreased.
The kinetic energy of the particles decreased.
The individual temperature of the particles increased.
The individual temperature of the particles increased.
The correct answer is: The average speed of the particles increased.
When a blacksmith strikes a piece of metal with a hammer, the repeated impacts cause the metal particles to vibrate and collide with each other. This increased collision between particles leads to an increase in their average speed. As the particles move faster, their kinetic energy also increases.
The increase in kinetic energy of the metal particles results in an increase in temperature. This increase in temperature causes the metal to glow and become more malleable, as it reaches a higher energy state and its internal structure begins to change.