A system is the part of the universe being studied, isolated for observation and measurement. In thermochemistry, it refers to the specific set of reactants and products involved in a reaction.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
A system can be open, closed, or isolated depending on its interaction with surroundings.
In an open system, both energy and matter can be exchanged with the surroundings.
In a closed system, only energy can be exchanged with the surroundings; matter remains constant.
In an isolated system, neither energy nor matter is exchanged with the surroundings.
The choice of system affects how energy changes are measured and analyzed in calorimetry.