Which outcome arose when trace elements were unintentionally included during Mesopotamian bronze smelting process?

💡 Explanation

When smelting Mesopotamian bronze, trace elements such as arsenic or lead could diffuse into the copper-tin alloy, unintentionally work-hardening it because these elements introduce imperfections into the crystal lattice. Therefore increased hardness resulted, rather than reduced melting point, corrosion resistance, or improved malleability which require more specific alloying additions and processes.

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