Open, Closed, and Isolated Systems

Systems

A thermodynamics system is a specific quanity of matter with a defined boundary and everything outside the boundary is the surroundings.  The system boundary can either be stationary or moving.  There are three types of thermodynamics systems: open, closed, and isolated.

• Thermodynamic system
  • Control mass system
    • Closed system
    • Isolated system
  • Control volume system
    • Open system

Open System

Open system freely exchanges energy and matter with its surroundings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed System

Closed system exchanges only energy with its surroundings, not matter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isolated System

Isolated system keeps the energy and matter within the system and everything else out.  No transfer in or out.