Closed system

Definition

A closed system is a physical system that does not exchange matter with its surroundings, but can exchange energy. This concept is crucial for understanding how energy transfers occur within a defined boundary while keeping mass constant, allowing for the study of thermodynamic processes without external interference.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a closed system, the total mass remains constant because no matter enters or leaves the system.
2. Energy can still be transferred in a closed system, which can result in changes in temperature and pressure.
3. The first law of thermodynamics, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, applies to closed systems where energy transformations are analyzed.
4. Closed systems are essential in understanding processes like heat engines and refrigerators where energy transformations occur without mass transfer.
5. Examples of closed systems include a sealed container of gas or a thermos bottle, where the contents can change energy states but not mass.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of a closed system differ from an open system in terms of energy and matter exchange?
  • A closed system allows for energy exchange with its surroundings but does not permit matter to enter or leave, maintaining a constant mass. In contrast, an open system facilitates both energy and matter exchange. This distinction is important in thermodynamics because it helps define how various processes, like chemical reactions or phase changes, can be studied while controlling mass inputs.
• Discuss the implications of the first law of thermodynamics in the context of a closed system's energy transformations.
  • The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. In a closed system, this means any energy that enters the system must equal the total energy leaving it plus any changes within the system itself. Understanding this principle helps in analyzing processes such as heating, work done on or by the system, and internal energy changes, all crucial for predicting how a closed system behaves under different conditions.
• Evaluate the role of closed systems in practical applications such as engines or refrigerators and their importance in energy efficiency.
  • Closed systems play a vital role in practical applications like engines and refrigerators by allowing engineers to analyze energy transformations without concern for mass loss. This focus on energy efficiency helps design systems that maximize output while minimizing input energy. By using the principles of thermodynamics in these closed systems, we can develop technologies that make better use of available resources, thereby enhancing sustainability and reducing waste in energy consumption.

Related terms

Isolated system: An isolated system is a type of closed system that does not exchange either matter or energy with its surroundings.

Open system: An open system is a physical system that can exchange both matter and energy with its environment.

Thermodynamics: Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat, work, temperature, and energy within systems.