Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An open system allows both matter and energy to be exchanged with its surroundings, while a closed system only allows for the exchange of energy but not matter.
A type of closed system where neither matter nor energy can be exchanged with its surroundings. It is completely isolated from external influences.
Heat Transfer: The process by which thermal energy is exchanged between objects due to temperature differences. For example, heat transfers from hot coffee to a cold spoon when they touch.
Principles that state certain properties (such as mass, momentum, and angular momentum) remain constant in isolated systems unless acted upon by external forces.