Live Quiz Arena
🎁 1 Free Round Daily
⚡ Enter ArenaQuestion
← HistoryWhich outcome occurred when ancient Mesopotamians smelted copper ore containing arsenic impurities?
A)The alloy became harder than pure copper✓
B)The furnace temperature became too low
C)The resulting metal corroded excessively
D)The process produced explosive gases
💡 Explanation
When copper ore containing arsenic was smelted in ancient Mesopotamia, a copper-arsenic alloy formed because arsenic acts as a solid solution strengthener within the copper matrix, increasing hardness. Therefore hardening resulted, rather than temperature drops, corrosion, or explosions, which require different material properties or reaction conditions.
🏆 Up to £1,000 monthly prize pool
Ready for the live challenge? Join the next global round now.
*Terms apply. Skill-based competition.
Related Questions
Browse History →- Which farming benefit arises when drought reduces chinampa canal water in Aztec maize cultivation?
- Which mechanism enables ancient timber-framed buildings to withstand seismic activity?
- Which environmental risk was most likely reduced by chinampa construction in the Valley of Mexico?
- Which mechanical function did Al-Khwarizmi's algebra enable in gear-based astronomical clocks?
- Which tactical problem occurred when Roman siege engines continuously targeted same section of enemy walls?
- Which risk was amplified in ancient Mesopotamia when arsenic impurities diffused intergranularly within cast bronze tools?