Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests the standard sign conventions used in thermodynamics for heat (Q) and work (W) in the context of the first law, \(\Delta U = Q - W\).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The most common convention in physics and engineering is as follows:
A. If heat is added to the system: This increases the system's energy, so the heat transfer Q is considered positive. A matches III (\(Q>0\)).
B. If heat is removed from the system: This decreases the system's energy, so the heat transfer Q is considered negative. B matches I (\(Q<0\)).
C. If work is done on the system: The surroundings do work on the system (e.g., compression), which increases the system's energy. In the formula \(\Delta U = Q - W\), to make \(\Delta U\) increase, W must be negative. C matches IV (\(W<0\)).
D. If work is done by the system: The system does work on the surroundings (e.g., expansion), which decreases the system's energy. In the formula \(\Delta U = Q - W\), to make \(\Delta U\) decrease, W must be positive. D matches II (\(W>0\)).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct matching is A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II.