Open, CLosed & Isolated Systems

Jason Hitsman
16 Feb 201506:32
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis lecture introduces the concepts of open, closed, and isolated systems in the context of chemistry and thermodynamics. An open system allows both matter and energy to exchange with its surroundings, exemplified by a boiling pot of water. A closed system permits energy exchange but not matter, like a pot with a lid. An isolated system, which is theoretically difficult to achieve, neither allows matter nor energy transfer, with a thermos serving as a close real-world example. The lecture aims to help viewers identify these system types in given situations.

Takeaways
  • πŸ“š A system in chemistry refers to a specific part of the universe that is considered separate from everything else.
  • πŸ”„ Open systems allow both matter and energy to flow in and out, with no separation between the system and its surroundings.
  • 🍳 An example of an open system is a pot of water boiling on the stove, where both matter (steam) and energy (heat) are exchanged with the environment.
  • 🚫 Closed systems permit the flow of energy but not matter; matter is trapped within the system while energy can still be exchanged with the surroundings.
  • πŸ”’ Placing a lid on the pot of boiling water turns it into a closed system, preventing water from escaping but still allowing heat exchange.
  • 🌑️ Isolated systems are the most restrictive, with neither matter nor energy allowed to enter or exit, effectively completely separated from their surroundings.
  • 🏺 A thermos is an example of an isolated system, as it prevents both matter and energy transfer, maintaining the temperature of its contents.
  • 🌟 The concept of systems is crucial in thermodynamics and helps in understanding energy and matter interactions within defined boundaries.
  • πŸ“ˆ Identifying a system's type (open, closed, or isolated) is essential for analyzing and applying principles in various scientific and engineering contexts.
  • πŸ€” While truly isolated systems are practically non-existent, objects like thermoses come close by significantly reducing energy and matter exchange.
  • πŸ’‘ Understanding these system types is fundamental for grasping thermochemistry and can be applied to a wide range of real-world situations.
Q & A
  • What is the definition of a system in the context of chemistry and thermal chemistry?

    -In chemistry and thermal chemistry, a system is a specific part of the universe that is considered separately from everything else. It is represented as a distinct entity, often enclosed in a symbolic boundary.

  • What differentiates an open system from a closed and isolated system?

    -An open system is one where both matter and energy can freely exchange with the surroundings. In contrast, a closed system allows energy to exchange but not matter, and an isolated system does not permit the exchange of either matter or energy with the surroundings.

  • Provide an example of an open system.

    -A pot of water boiling on the stove is an example of an open system. Both matter (in the form of water vapor) and energy (heat) can be exchanged with the environment.

  • How can a pot of boiling water be turned into a closed system?

    -By placing a lid on the pot, preventing the escape of water vapor, the system becomes closed. Energy can still be exchanged in the form of heat, but matter cannot cross the boundary.

  • What is the most restrictive type of system and why?

    -The isolated system is the most restrictive, as it does not allow any exchange of matter or energy with the surroundings. This type of system is difficult to achieve in practice because it requires complete separation from the environment.

  • Can a truly isolated system exist in reality?

    -A truly isolated system, where neither matter nor energy can enter or leave, is theoretically impossible in reality. However, a thermos comes close to being an isolated system by significantly reducing the exchange of matter and energy.

  • How does a thermos function as an almost isolated system?

    -A thermos functions by having insulating walls that trap energy inside, preventing it from escaping through convection or radiation. Similarly, energy from the outside cannot enter, and the matter (like hot coffee or tea) once placed inside, remains there, unable to leave.

  • What happens when you apply the concept of an isolated system to a thermos with hot coffee?

    -When hot coffee is placed inside a thermos, the energy from the coffee is trapped and cannot escape, keeping the coffee hot. Likewise, external energy cannot enter, maintaining the temperature differential between the coffee and the environment.

  • How does the concept of systems relate to the study of energy?

    -The concept of systems is crucial in the study of energy as it helps to define the boundaries within which energy exchanges occur. Understanding open, closed, and isolated systems allows for the accurate analysis of energy transfer and transformation in various scenarios.

  • What is the significance of understanding the different types of systems in chemistry?

    -Understanding the different types of systems in chemistry is essential for predicting and analyzing chemical reactions, phase changes, and energy transformations. It provides a framework for studying how substances and energy interact within defined boundaries.

  • How can the principles of open, closed, and isolated systems be applied in practical scenarios?

    -The principles can be applied in various practical scenarios, such as designing insulation for buildings, managing heat exchange in industrial processes, and understanding biological systems where the exchange of matter and energy is critical for life processes.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ“˜ Understanding Systems in Chemistry

This paragraph introduces the concept of a system in the context of chemistry and thermal chemistry. It explains that a system is a part of the universe under study, separate from the rest, referred to as the surroundings. The lecture aims to help viewers identify whether a given situation represents an open, closed, or isolated system. The fundamental difference between these types of systems is based on the exchange of matter and energy with the surroundings. An open system allows for the exchange of both matter and energy, a closed system allows only energy to pass through, and an isolated system does not exchange either matter or energy with its surroundings.

05:02
🌑️ Examples of Open, Closed, and Isolated Systems

This paragraph delves into examples of open, closed, and isolated systems. An open system is illustrated with the example of a pot of boiling water on the stove, where both matter (steam) and energy (heat) can be exchanged with the surroundings. A closed system is described by imagining the pot with a lid, where energy can still be exchanged but matter cannot. The isolated system, which is theoretically difficult to achieve in practice, is compared to a thermos, which is designed to minimize the exchange of both matter and energy with the environment. The summary emphasizes the practical application of these concepts and invites questions from the audience for further clarification.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘System
In the context of chemistry and thermal chemistry, a 'system' refers to a specific part of the universe that is under study and is considered separate from everything else. It is a fundamental concept used to differentiate between open, closed, and isolated systems. For example, in the video, a pot of boiling water is used to illustrate a system where both matter (water turning into steam) and energy (heat from the stove) can interact with the surroundings.
πŸ’‘Open System
An 'open system' is one in which both matter and energy are allowed to flow in and out. It is not isolated from its surroundings and can interact with the environment. The video uses the example of a pot of water on the stove, where heat from the stove enters the system and steam (water in gas form) leaves the system, illustrating an open system in action.
πŸ’‘Closed System
A 'closed system' is one where energy can be exchanged with the surroundings, but matter cannot. It is similar to an open system in terms of energy exchange but is distinct in that it prevents the transfer of matter across its boundaries. In the video, placing a lid on the pot of boiling water turns it into a closed system, as the water can no longer escape as steam, though heat can still enter and leave.
πŸ’‘Isolated System
An 'isolated system' is one that is completely separated from its surroundings, with neither matter nor energy allowed to enter or leave. It is the most restrictive type of system discussed in the video. A thermos is given as an example of a system that closely approximates an isolated system, as it prevents the transfer of both matter and energy across its walls, maintaining the temperature of its contents.
πŸ’‘Matter
In the context of the video, 'matter' refers to physical substances that can be part of a system. The distinction is made between systems based on whether matter can cross the system's boundaries. Open systems allow matter to move in and out, closed systems do not allow matter to move but energy can, and isolated systems neither allow matter nor energy exchange.
πŸ’‘Energy
Energy, as discussed in the video, is the capacity to do work and can be transferred or converted into different forms. It is a key factor in distinguishing between open, closed, and isolated systems. The flow of energy into and out of a system is a characteristic that helps define its type. For instance, an open system allows for the exchange of energy with the surroundings, while an isolated system does not.
πŸ’‘Surroundings
The 'surroundings' are everything outside of the system being studied. They are the environment with which the system can interact, exchange matter, or transfer energy. The concept is crucial in understanding the boundaries of a system and how it relates to the rest of the universe.
πŸ’‘Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy, and the conversion of one form of energy to another. It is the scientific field where the concepts of open, closed, and isolated systems are commonly applied to understand the behavior of matter and energy in various conditions.
πŸ’‘Chemistry
Chemistry is the scientific study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. The concept of systems is particularly relevant in chemistry, especially when studying thermochemistry, which is the study of the heat changes accompanying chemical reactions. Understanding the type of system (open, closed, or isolated) is crucial for predicting and explaining chemical behavior.
πŸ’‘Boiling Water
In the video, 'boiling water' serves as a practical example to illustrate the concepts of open, closed, and isolated systems. As water boils, it transitions from a liquid to a gaseous state (steam), demonstrating the exchange of matter. The heat from the stove represents the energy transfer that occurs in an open system.
πŸ’‘Thermus
A 'thermus' is a type of insulated container designed to maintain the temperature of its contents, either keeping hot substances hot or cold substances cold. It operates on the principles of an isolated system by minimizing the transfer of energy and matter with the surroundings, making it a close approximation of an isolated system as discussed in the video.
Highlights

Understanding and applying the concept of open, closed, and isolated systems in chemistry and thermodynamics.

A system in chemistry is a specific part of the universe separate from everything else.

The surroundings are everything in the universe outside the system.

An open system allows both matter and energy to be exchanged with the surroundings.

A boiling pot of water on the stove is an example of an open system.

A closed system allows only energy to be exchanged with the surroundings, not matter.

Placing a lid on the pot turns it into a closed system, preventing water from escaping.

An isolated system is the most restrictive, allowing neither matter nor energy to be exchanged with the surroundings.

A thermos is a practical example of an isolated system, trapping both matter and energy inside.

The walls of a thermos prevent energy transfer through convection or radiation.

Both hot and cold substances remain at their temperatures when inside a thermos due to its insulating properties.

The concept of systems is crucial in thermodynamics for understanding energy and matter interactions.

Identifying a system's type (open, closed, or isolated) is key to solving thermodynamic problems.

The practical applications of system types are seen in everyday objects like thermoses.

The isolation in a thermos is not absolute but serves as a close example of an isolated system.

In a true isolated system, neither matter nor energy can enter or leave, which is difficult to achieve in reality.

The lecture aims to enhance the ability to identify and work with different types of systems in various situations.

The fundamental difference between open and closed systems lies in the exchange of matter.

The concept of systems is essential in chemistry, particularly in the field of thermochemistry.

Transcripts
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