Isolated Systems

[EmilyC_3D]

Is a completely isolated system actually possible or is it only a theoretical idea? If so, what are some real world examples of how we've replicated this situation?

[Nika Gladkov 1A]

I think that a perfectly isolated system is a theoretical idea because there will always be some sort of exchange with the surroundings.

[Hope Fan 2A]

I believe that there is no such thing as an isolated system in real life because, like the other user has said, there will always been some kind of exchange with the surroundings no matter how insulated or sealed it is.

[Eileen Quach Dis 2A]

I believe it's theoretical because you can't completely prevent energy from entering or leaving a system because of the natural design of the container. We can get close to doing this though using a bomb calorimeter.

[605291562]

I don't think that there can be a perfect isolated system, however I'm pretty sure that we are able to get fairly close and therefore in these cases can make the assumption that it will follow the same equations and patterns as a perfectly isolated system.

[George Hernandez 3I]

The bomb calorimeter is an example of a real isolated system. But I doubt it is a completely perfect system.

[Kiana Tashakori 1D]

I think that isolated systems are just theoretical because even though we have come close (like the bomb calorimeter mentioned), we haven't found a way to completely stop exchanges from happening with the surroundings.

[Ethan Goode 2H]

I believe it is only for theoretical purposes, and is not something actually happening.

[Alison Perkins 2B]

It is theoretical because it is so difficult to actually create perfect conditions. I think the bomb calorimeter is a real isolated system but I am unsure how close it is to perfect.

[Kristina Krivenko 3I]

I think that a perfectly isolated system is more of a theoretical idea that we can't completely execute in real life. We can get close to it, and a bomb calorimeter would be an example of that, but I believe that Dr. Lavelle mentioned in the lecture that, as time goes on, a bomb calorimeter becomes less and less of an isolated system due to it getting "worn out" with use.

[Jeremy Wei 2C]

If I'm not wrong, the concept of an isolated system is theoretical since no matter what there will always at least some exchange of energy.

[Edgar Velazquez 2K]

It's only theoretical because it would require perfect hardware that wouldn't worsen over time in order to stay completely/perfectly isolated.

[Ansh Patel 2I]

Hi! I'm pretty sure a completely isolated system is for theoretical purposes because it's nearly impossible for no exchange to occur for a prolonged period of time.

[Jared Limqueco 3E]

A perfect isolated system is theoretical since there is always some kind of exchange with surroundings.

[Gicelle Rubin 1E]

As everyone has said, it's theoretical :)

[Diana Aguilar 3H]

Hi! Like many others have stated, a perfect isolated system is theoretical since there has to be some exchange of energy.