What is the result of increasing the hardness of a metal through work hardening?

Increasing the hardness of a metal through work hardening results in the metal resisting deforming under stress. Work hardening, also known as strain hardening, occurs when a metal is deformed plastically at room temperature. During this process, dislocations within the metal's crystal structure accumulate, which hinders the movement of other dislocations. This accumulation makes it more difficult for the material to undergo further deformation, effectively increasing its yield strength and hardness. Therefore, the metal becomes more resistant to changes in shape or structure when subjected to external forces.

This characteristic is crucial in various applications where structural integrity is paramount. While materials may become more brittle at higher hardness levels, the primary effect of work hardening itself is an increase in strength and resistance to deformation. The other options touch on different aspects of metal properties but do not accurately reflect the effects of work hardening on resistance to deformation.