Why does the tea in a mug get hotter than microwave?

This is a bit of a misconception! The tea itself doesn't actually get hotter in a mug than in the microwave. The feeling of the tea being hotter in a mug is due to a few factors:

* Heat Transfer: The microwave heats the water directly, but the heat then dissipates throughout the mug and the surrounding air. When you drink from the mug, the heat is concentrated on your lips and tongue, making it feel hotter.

* Temperature Distribution: In a microwave, the water is heated more evenly throughout, while in a mug, the water at the bottom may be hotter than the water at the top. When you drink, you're likely to take a sip from the bottom, where the hottest water is.

* Perception: Our perception of heat can be influenced by several factors, including the temperature of the surrounding environment, the size and shape of the container, and the material the mug is made of.

In short, the actual temperature of the tea is likely the same in both the microwave and the mug. It's the way the heat is transferred and perceived that makes the mug feel hotter.