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The combined molecular kinetic energies of molecules in a very large container o

ID: 2191071 • Letter: T

Question

The combined molecular kinetic energies of molecules in a very large container of cold water are greater than the combined molecular kinetic energies in a cup of hot tea. Pretend you partially immerse the teacup in the cold water and that the tea absorbs 10 units of energy from the water and becomes hotter, while the water that gives up 10 units of energy becomes cooler. Would this energy transfer violate the first law of thermodynamics? Yes? No? Would this energy transfer violate the second law of thermodynamics? Yes? No ? Explain.

Explanation / Answer

Protip: in this type of questions, a LAW is never violated.