Isolated Systems [ENDORSED]

[Gina_Chiarolla_3C]

There is a question in the textbook that describes a high quality thermos as an isolated system. Why would this be considered an isolated system instead of a closed system if it is possible for the thermos to lose heat over long periods of time?

[Molly Laviano 3N]

While an argument could, in theory, be made to say that a high quality thermos is a closed system, we ultimately would choose to consider to be an isolated system because the insulation of the thermos captures the heat to a fairly strong degree. Therefore, very minimal heat, if any, is lost from the system.

[Laine Gruver 3C]

There's truly no such thing as an isolated system, only very close to one, so I think you always have to read in between the lines as to what the problem is getting at.

[Katie McCombs 3G]

In this case it is saying it is the best example of an isolated system. While we know that over time it does lose heat, it in theory (if it is a quality thermos) acts as an isolated system that does not exchange heat or matter.