Which outcome predictably occurred when ancient Mesopotamian bronze tools were repeatedly re-smelted?

💡 Explanation

Increased arsenic embrittlement occurs because repeated smelting caused arsenic concentration increase via gradual reduction of other metallic components; therefore, embrittlement increased, rather than ductility, because arsenic segregates at grain boundaries under thermal cycling.

• Which risk increases when ancient Andean terrace irrigation systems experience prolonged drought conditions?
• Which risk increases when constructing a Roman aqueduct with too shallow a channel slope?
• Which limiting factor decreased maize yield in ancient terraced agricultural systems despite successful soil conservation?
• Which failure arises when medieval Byzantine silk guilds restricted sericulture?
• Which risk becomes pronounced when traditional Chinese cast-iron plowshares encounter hardpan soil?
• Which risk increased for inlaid marble panels within Mughal gardens water features during winter freezes?