CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY

What is the difference between an isolated and a closed system?

A closed system is one where only energy can be transferred. For example, a pot with a lid on it is a closed system. An isolated system is one where nothing can be transferred. A thermos is an example of an isolated system.

It may be easier to picture an isolated system as a really high quality thermos where the substance inside and any heat inside cannot leave/interact with the surroundings. On the other hand, a closed system is like a sealed glass jar, where the substance inside stays the same, but heat can escape or enter the jar as the glass does not isolate the substance inside. More succinctly, isolated systems cannot exchange any matter or energy with its surroundings while a closed system allows energy to exchange while matter remains constant.

An isolated system is completely closed off from its surroundings and cannot exchange matter or energy with its surroundings. A closed system is closed off from its surroundings and cannot exchange matter, but this system can exchange energy with its surroundings.