Why does metal heat up under presssure?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of metal heating up under pressure, particularly in the context of hammering metal. It explores the underlying mechanisms of energy transfer and the conversion of mechanical energy into thermal energy, with a focus on both theoretical and practical implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that friction caused by the internal movement of metal during deformation leads to heating.
  • Others explain that heat is the kinetic energy of atoms, and when a hammer strikes metal, kinetic energy is transferred, resulting in the generation of heat and sound.
  • A later reply emphasizes that the mechanical energy from the hammer causes the metal's molecules to vibrate and oscillate, converting mechanical energy into thermal energy.
  • There is mention of impulsive loads and how they apply force over a short time, contributing to the heating effect.
  • Friction is also noted as a mechanism that dissipates energy as heat.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mechanisms of energy transfer and the role of friction, but there are multiple perspectives on the specific processes involved in heating metal under pressure.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the complexities of the energy transfer processes or the precise definitions of terms like "friction" and "thermal energy." There may be assumptions about the conditions under which these phenomena occur that are not explicitly stated.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for educators, students, and individuals interested in the principles of physics related to energy transfer, material properties, and thermodynamics.

Deviousfred
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I was asked by some of my students (6th grade) why does metal heat up under pressure? For example, when you hammer a piece of metal repeatedly, it is hot to the touch.
 
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friction caused by the insides of the metal moving around when its deformed cause it to heat up.
 
Heat (thermal energy) is simply the kinetic (vibrational) energy of atoms in a substance. When one strikes a hammer against another solid material, the kinetic energy (and momentum) are transferred from the moving hammer to the solid material (mass). Assuming that the mass does not move, the kinetic energy of the moving hammer is transformed into sound (acoustic energy, or pressure waves) and heat (thermal energy) in mass of the solid and the hammer.

A hammer blow (impact) is an example of an impulsive load, i.e. the force (and pressure) are applied over a very short time.

One can also generate heat by friction, which is a shear force. Friction dissipates energy as heat.
 
Thank you. I actually ended up having a conversation with one of my physics professors about this. She also said that it was the mechanical energy from the hammer transferred into the metal and causing the molecules of the metal to vibrate and oscilate and thus converting the mechanical energy into thermal energy.
 
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