โš™๏ธap physics c: mechanics review

Closed System

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025

Definition

A closed system refers to a physical system that does not exchange matter with its surroundings but can exchange energy with them. In other words, no mass enters or leaves the system, but energy can be transferred in or out.