CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY

Hi, I was wondering if an insulated system counts as a closed system. I think for an insulated system, heat cannot exchange but mass can, and for a closed system mass cannot exchange but energy can. If an insulated system is not a closed system, would it be a fourth type of system (in addition to open, closed, and isolated)?

Insulated systems could be understood to be an isolated system, as they cannot exchange matter or energy. I am assuming your insulated system is similar to a high-quality thermos bottle, in which case there would be some sort of stopper to prevent an exchange of matter.

Yes, insulated system can be seen as closed systems. A closed system is seen when nothing is transferred to the outside surroundings.

An insulated system and a closed system are not the same, as they refer to different characteristics of the system's boundaries. In a closed system, mass cannot exchange with the surroundings, but energy can. In an insulated system, heat transfer (energy) is restricted, but mass exchange can still occur.