Closed Systems

[Max Harouni 14B 24W]

Hello everyone,

I am trying to conceptually grasp closed, isolated, and open systems. It is my understanding that neither work or energy "penetrate" an isolated system, and both do on an open system, but why only heat can effect a closed system? If it is closed how can either work or energy effect the system, and why only heat?

[Inayaa Gulati]

only heat/ energy can flow in or out of a closed system considering that the system is a sealed container but is not insulated. Since it is sealed there can be no exchange of matter.

[Grace Kim 1a]

Since a closed system is not insulated, energy in the form of heat is still allowed to move between the system and its surroundings. Molecules, however, are not allowed to move in and out since the physical parameters of the system are closed.

[Destiny Caldwell 3J]

In a closed system, both heat and work can transfer energy across the system boundary without the exchange of matter. An isolated system, on the other hand, is completely sealed off from its surroundings, prohibiting both heat and work transfer. Open systems allow for the exchange of both energy and matter with the surroundings, enabling interactions such as heat transfer, work done, and mass flow.