Based on the information given, the students should expect to observe the following:
1. The temperature of sample A to gradually decrease over time.
This is because sample A initially had a higher temperature (70°C) compared to sample B (5°C), indicating that sample A had more thermal energy to lose. As heat is transferred from the liquid to the surrounding environment, the temperature will decrease until it reaches equilibrium with the surroundings.
2. The temperature of sample B to gradually increase over time.
Similarly, sample B initially had a lower temperature (5°C) compared to sample A (70°C), indicating that sample B had less thermal energy. As heat is transferred from sample A to sample B, the temperature of sample B will increase until it reaches equilibrium with sample A.
3. Eventually, the temperatures of both samples will reach a stable point.
As heat continues to transfer between the two samples, they will continue to approach each other until they reach thermal equilibrium. At this point, the temperatures of both samples will stabilize and remain constant, assuming no further external heat sources or energy losses.
Overall, the students should expect to observe a gradual decrease in the temperature of sample A and a gradual increase in the temperature of sample B until both reach stable temperatures.