According to the First Law of Thermodynamics,____

Question

According to the first law of thermodynamics,____.  
A) the energy of a system always increases
B) the amount of energy in the universe is changeable
C) chemical reactions do not create or destroy energy
D) energy is always stable
E) energy always decreases

Accepted Answer

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another. Therefore, chemical reactions cannot create or destroy energy, only convert it from one form to another. Choice A is incorrect because the energy of a system can decrease, depending on the circumstances. Choice B is incorrect because the amount of energy in the universe is considered to be constant. Choice D is incorrect because energy can be unstable and may degrade over time. Choice E is incorrect because energy may increase or decrease, depending on the circumstances.