Thermodynamic System

 

A thermodynamic system is a region or a specific portion of the universe that is under study or observation. It is separated from its surroundings by a boundary, which may be real or imaginary. The system can exchange energy, and matter, or work with its surroundings through the boundary.

They are classified based on how they interact with their surroundings. The system’s interaction with the surrounding can mainly be classified into two different ways of interaction. The interaction with the surrounding with mass transfer. Any mass can cross the system boundary or mass can enter the system or leave the system. Also, it can interact with energy. The mass is either in the system or out of the system or it can also interact with energy in the form of heat. Types of a thermodynamic system  

1.     Open system.

An open system is a system that can exchange mass and energy usually in the form of heat with its surroundings. The boundaries of an open system are not fixed. So there is the transfer of matter and energy in the form of heat.

Examples of an open system are;

electric fan, kettle, and washing machine.

So let's take the electric fan for an illustration. Energy enters the electric fan into its motor and when the blade of the fan rotates, the air gets drawn and is discharged.

2.      Closed system

A closed system is an exchange of energy between the system and surroundings. It will not exchange with mass. So there is no transfer of matter but there is the transfer of the energy in the form of heat.

Examples of the closed system are

Television, cell phone, light Bulb.

For a light bulb (only energy is allowed to enter and exit, the entering energy is the electrical energy and the existing energy is the light and heat energy.

3.      Isolated system

In an isolated system, there is no exchange of matter or energy between the system and its surroundings. The boundaries of an isolated system are fixed. Thus, there is neither transfer of matter nor transfer of energy of heat.

The best example we can illustrate is a thermoflask. So, in a thermoflask there is no transfer of mass, as well as there, is no transfer of heat energy. It will maintain its temperature for a long time. Assuming that the thermos flask contains hot water which is perfectly insulated. There will be no way for the mass of hot water to exit the container and 100% of its energy will be contained as heat transfer will not occur for a perfectly insulated system.

Moreover, Our universe is generally considered to be an isolated system because it is defined as everything that exists, including all matter and energy. Therefore, by definition, there is nothing outside of the universe that can exchange matter or energy with it.  The universe appears to be expanding and cooling over time. However, the total amount of matter and energy in the universe remains constant, and there is no evidence of anything entering or leaving the universe. This suggests that the universe is indeed an isolated system.