A test tube containing a piece of wax is warmed in an oil bath until the wax melts. The test tube is removed from the bath and is allowed to cool until the wax freezes. Which of the following statements best describes the first law of thermodynamics as applied to this change? a. The total energy lost by the wax and test tube is equal to the total energy absorbed by the surroundings.

b. Thermal energy flows from the wax and test tube to the surroundings, but not in the reverse direction.

c. The total energy lost by the wax and test tube is equal to the total energy absorbed by the system.

d. Thermal energy flows from the wax and test tube to the system, but not in the reverse direction.