Final answer:
The net change in internal energy of the system is E) 8.2 J.
Step-by-step explanation:
The net change in internal energy of a system can be calculated by subtracting the work done on the system from the heat absorbed by the system.
In this case, the system absorbs 12.4 J of heat and does 4.2 J of work on the surroundings.
Therefore, the net change in internal energy is the difference between these values:
Net change in internal energy = Heat absorbed - Work done
Net change in internal energy = 12.4 J - 4.2 J
= 8.2 J