Which outcome arose when Mesopotamian bronzesmiths quenched rapidly cast copper-arsenic alloys in water?

💡 Explanation

When quenching rapidly cast Cu-As alloys, rapid cooling induces martensitic transformation because interstitial arsenic distorts the copper lattice therefore increasing hardness but lowering ductility, making bronze brittle. Therefore increased brittleness occurred, which decreased resistance to applied forces, rather than corrosion resistance which would require passivation or different microstructure

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