Question

What happens at the atomic level when a metal is subjected to pressure, such as a blow from a hammer

Answer 1

The metal cations easily side past one another.

Answer 2

Answer: The metal gets distorted when it is subjected to pressure, such as a blow from a hammer.

Explanation:

A blow from the hammer on the metal is actually applying a high pressure that causes a strain into the metal.

Due to this strain, the atoms of metals get compressed resulting in the formation of a large force which will distort the metal. Therefore, the atoms of metal will move sides apart from each other.