What process reduces the tensile strength of wires?

The process that reduces the tensile strength of wires is annealing. Annealing involves heating the metal to a specific temperature and then allowing it to cool slowly. This process alters the microstructure of the material, relieving internal stresses and making it softer and more ductile.

When wire is drawn, it is typically stretched to increase its tensile strength and improve its physical properties. Quenching, on the other hand, involves rapid cooling of a material, which often increases its hardness and can lead to increased tensile strength. Bending does not have a significant impact on the overall tensile properties unless done excessively, potentially leading to fatigue failures. Thus, annealing effectively reduces tensile strength and improves ductility, making it the correct process in this context.