Open, closed, isolated system

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lynnettefernandez_1C
Posts: 40
Joined: Tue Nov 14, 2023 8:59 am

Open, closed, isolated system

Postby lynnettefernandez_1C » Tue Feb 20, 2024 10:45 pm

How do we know if a system is open, closed, or isolated? Are there any key words to look for in the word problem or any tips on how to draw to a conclusion on what kind of system it is?

Alejandra_Perez_3F
Posts: 52
Joined: Mon Jan 03, 2022 10:10 am

Re: Open, closed, isolated system

Postby Alejandra_Perez_3F » Tue Feb 20, 2024 10:49 pm

Hi,

determining whether a system is open, closed or isolated depend on the context provided in the problem

note that:
open system: exchanges energy and matter with surroundings
closed: exchanges energy but not matter with surroundings
isolated: doesn't exchange energy or matter

Some contextual clues that can help:
If a problem mentions heat transfer, mass flow or interactions with surroundings, it could indicate an open or closed system

if there is no mention of exchanges with surroundings it may be an isolated system

Key words for isolated systems may be: "completely insulated" or "no interaction with surroundings"

Key words for open systems may be: "matter transfer" "input/output of substances" "chemical reactions with the environment"

Key words for closed systems may be: "contained within" "fixed mass" "sealed"
Last edited by Alejandra_Perez_3F on Tue Feb 20, 2024 10:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.

106052916
Posts: 108
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2023 11:28 am

Re: Open, closed, isolated system

Postby 106052916 » Tue Feb 20, 2024 10:49 pm

Here are some key word for the following systems
Open: phrases indicating the exchange of matter or energy, such as "matter flows in and out," "heat exchange with the surroundings," "mass transfer," "continuous input/output of material"
Closed: phrases indicating energy exchange but no matter exchange, such as "no mass transfer," "energy transfer in the form of heat," "work done on the system"
Isolated system: phrases indicating no exchange of matter or energy, such as "completely insulated," "no exchange of heat or matter," "adiabatic walls"

Destiny Caldwell 3J
Posts: 82
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2023 12:18 pm

Re: Open, closed, isolated system

Postby Destiny Caldwell 3J » Mon Feb 26, 2024 6:44 pm

To determine if a system is open, closed, or isolated, consider the problem's description of interactions with the surroundings and any constraints on matter and energy exchange. Look for keywords indicating exchanges of matter or energy, such as "exchanges heat with the surroundings" for open systems or "insulated from the surroundings" for isolated systems. Analyze the physical setup and purpose of the problem to infer the type of system and approach the problem accordingly.

206190205
Posts: 83
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2023 10:42 am

Re: Open, closed, isolated system

Postby 206190205 » Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:37 pm

Hello,
In order to determine if a system is open, there is an exchange of both matter and energy with the surroundings. A closed system has a fixed amount of matter, but it can exchange energy w/ the surroundings. Finally, an isolated system is an exchange of neither matter no energy with the surroundings. As long as you associate these factors into the problems, you should be able to tell if it is an isolated, open, or closed system.


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