What principle is associated with the First Law of Thermodynamics?

The principle associated with the First Law of Thermodynamics is that energy and mass are conserved in a system. This law states that the total energy within a closed system remains constant, meaning that energy cannot be created or destroyed but can only change forms. This principle underlines the concept of conservation, indicating that any energy input into the system must equal the amount of energy output plus any changes in stored energy within the system.

This understanding is foundational in both physics and environmental science, as it emphasizes the importance of considering energy flows and transformations when analyzing systems. It supports the idea that sustainable practices must work within these natural laws, ensuring that energy use and resource allocation do not violate conservation principles.

The other statements do not align with the First Law of Thermodynamics, as they either misinterpret the conservation of energy and mass or suggest scenarios that are not supported by established scientific principles. For instance, the idea that energy can be created from nothing contradicts the fundamental aspect of conservation. Similarly, asserting that mass can be destroyed under certain conditions ignores the relationship between mass and energy, particularly as expressed in Einstein's equation E=mc², where mass can convert to energy but is never eliminated. Lastly, the claim that energy transformations are always efficient does not reflect the