False. In a closed system, the total energy remains constant because energy cannot enter or leave the system. While the ice cube melts and the warm water cools, the energy is being transformed between the ice and water; the thermal energy from the warm water is transferred to the ice cube, causing it to melt. Thus, while the individual temperatures change, the total energy of the system does not decrease.
Imagine you are conducting an experiment in a closed system where a cup of warm water is placed on a table. You drop an ice cube into the water and observe what happens over time. No energy is allowed to enter or leave the system. True or False: In this closed system, as the ice cube melts and the warm water cools, the total energy of the system decreases over time. Responses: True, False
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