Isolated vs Isothermal

[Madison_Haneke_2K]

I've been confused about the similarities and differences in properties of isolated systems and isothermal systems. What is the difference, and are they usually related? (ie. I think most isolated systems are also isothermal?). Additionally, how do their properties differ and therefore make our calculations and formulas differ? Thanks in advance :)

[Matt Villanueva 3H]

Isolated systems essentially refer to a system in which no matter nor energy can flow in our out of the system (hence isolated away from everything).

Isothermal processes refers to changes in a system in which delta T does not change at all. (aka delta T=0)


If you're concerned about the characteristics of each, think of it this way:

If a system is a problem is called isolated, it cannot transfer matter/energy, heat, nor work
If a system in a problem is called isothermal, it cannot have a change in temperature, but it may be able to transfer matter/energy, heat, and work

[104422816]

Cant an isolated system still expand?

[Ronald Yang 2F]

I don't think so because then the system would transfer energy to the surroundings in the form of work - wouldn't be isolated then.