ISSA Nutritionist Practice Exam

What principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only changed from one form to another?

1. First Law of Thermodynamics

2. Law of Diminishing Returns

3. Principle of Energy Conversion

4. Second Law of Thermodynamics

The correct answer is: First Law of Thermodynamics

The principle that states energy cannot be created or destroyed, only changed from one form to another, is known as the First Law of Thermodynamics. This fundamental concept of physics asserts that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant; it can transform from potential to kinetic energy, for example, but the amount of energy in the system does not increase or decrease. Understanding this law is crucial in nutrition and exercise science because it relates to how the body utilizes the energy obtained from food. For instance, when you consume carbohydrates, your body converts them into glucose, which can then be used for energy during physical activities or stored for future use. So, this principle highlights the conservation of energy and its various transformations, which is essential for understanding metabolism and energy balance in the body. The other principles mentioned are distinct in their focus. The Law of Diminishing Returns pertains to the productivity of resources over time and does not apply to energy conservation in the same way. The Principle of Energy Conversion is not a formally recognized scientific law and can be seen as a more general concept. The Second Law of Thermodynamics addresses the concept of entropy and the direction of energy transfer, emphasizing that energy systems tend to move towards more disordered states but does not state anything about the