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?
Responses
The kinetic energy of the particles decreased.
The kinetic energy of the particles decreased.
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 potential energy of the particles decreased.
The potential energy of the particles decreased.
The correct answer is: The individual temperature of the particles increased.
When the blacksmith strikes the piece of metal with a hammer, it imparts kinetic energy to the metal atoms and molecules. This increase in kinetic energy causes the individual temperature of the particles to rise. Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance.
As the temperature of the metal increases, the atoms and molecules vibrate more vigorously. This increased vibration disrupts the arrangement of the particles and allows them to move more freely. The metal starts to glow because the increased temperature causes the atoms and molecules to emit light.
Furthermore, the increased temperature also affects the properties of the metal on a macroscopic level. The higher temperature makes the metal more malleable, meaning it becomes easier to shape or deform. This is because at higher temperatures, the metal particles are able to move more freely, making it more pliable.
So, in summary, the visible changes in the properties of the metal, such as glowing and increased malleability, are a result of the individual temperature of the particles increasing.