Isolated System Vs Closed System: Detailed Facts And FAQs

Let us go through the following to know the difference between an Isolated System Vs Closed System:-

The difference between the isolated system and a closed system can be explained. in an isolated system no interchange of energy and matter from its surrounding . Whereas in a closed system, there cannot be any exchange of matter but, the energy can be exchanged.

To study chemistry and physics efficiently, we have divided the universe into two parts. The other portion that will be going through is a study of the system, and whatever is rest is known as surrounding. Let’s take an example of a system. Think of an organism, a vessel in which chemical reactions occur, or a single cell. In the midst of all of , there is a frontier between a system and the surrounding. 

This dividing line explains the extent of the system. Through This dividing line, only sometimes the exchange of energy and matter occurs. further, we can segregate a system into two listing, which are as following , firstly, an open system, secondly, a closed system, and thirdly an isolated system where it is itself a form of a closed system.

Isolated System Vs Closed System

Let us diffusely discuss the comparison between an isolated system and a closed system:-

An isolated system

An isolated system is oneself a manifestation of a closed system.

An isolated system is non identical from a closed system as a closed system have a thermal or mechanical  contact with its adjoining. This means that an isolated system cannot exchange either matter or energy from its surroundings.

And additionally, isolated systems acquire thermodynamic equilibrium with a setup by balancing the temperature, pressure, or other parameters.

However, in reality, an isolated system does not even exist. Because in the universe, each and everything interacts with one another in either of the ways. But even though our universe can be considered an isolated system, as we know that in-universe, there is no transferring of matter and energy with any other universe. Practically it is not available, but it is used Theoretically for constructing models. 

For instance, the first thermodynamic law and second thermodynamic law explain an isolated system.

The first law of thermodynamics states that the “internal energy of an isolated system is constant.” The second law of thermodynamics says that “the entropy of an isolated system increases in the course of a spontaneous process.” where these two laws are only applicable for isolated systems. The system’s entropy will exceed over a period in an isolated system and will reach its zenith value at the equilibrium. Hence we are able to say here that the total energy is not going to to increase for isolated system and in the consequence to it its entropy will never decrease.

A closed system

In a closed system, the matter remains constant, but its energy can be exchanged or transferred from the system to its surroundings.

So, in a closed system the matter is circumscribe and remains constant. But the energy of a closed system, can swap with its adjoining. For instance, while a reaction takes place, the system gets expanded, or we can say that it can transfer its energy from its surroundings if its temperature is low.

Let us understand it through an example:-

When we cover the cup of hot tea with a lid, it becomes a closed system. Because the steam from tea is trapped between the cup and the lid on it. And in addition to this the molecules in attendance in its adjoining do not set foot in the cup. Hence, there is no exchange of matter.

However, the heat dissipated from the tea gets exchanged with its surrounding. We can understand it when we touch the cup and lid and feel hot. So we can say that the energy which exits the system is a thermal energy. Here, the system acquires an equilibrium with its surrounding. This happens because the temperature of the tea in the cup and the temperature out of the system gets same.

Second example of a closed system can be taken as a battery. However, it will seem like an isolated system because its internal matter is sealed. But if we consider the charge of the battery. In this, during the charging of a battery, the electrical charge flowing through the battery comes to an endpoint and dies. This flow of charge shows the transfer of energy, but the matter in a closed system is intact. This defines battery to be a closed system.

Now lets us consider an example of an isolated system, however it is difficult to find in reality. Because there is no ideal isolated system found till now. But still, the closest example of an isolated system is a Thermoflask. Because if we put something hot in a Thermoflask, due to insulated walls of Thermoflask and the tight lid on it stop, do not allow the heat energy to dissipate. Any hot material, say any fluid in Thermoflask, remains hot for several hours as the Thermoflask stops heat transfer through any medium or way. Either it is conduction, convection, or radiation. 

Here isolated system can easily be pictured and now understood as a thermos where the fluid (system) remains hot. It does not transfer any heat energy, nor is its matter exchanged from its surrounding.

On the other hand, a closed system can be assumed as a sealed jar, where the material inside it changes its temperature. As it transfers the heat from its surrounding. This means the energy can either enter the system or dissipate out from the system. Accordingly we are able to say that, in an isolated system,  energy do not get swamped and matter too do not swaps from the surrounding. Whereas in a closed system, there cannot be any exchange of matter but, the energy can be exchanged.

Also Read:

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• Is earth a closed system
• System in equilibrium examples
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• Isolated system examples
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• Is thermal equilibrium a system