In thermodynamics, the concepts of system and surroundings help us understand energy and matter interactions. Here’s a simple explanation:
- System:
- The system is the part of the universe we are focusing on for a study or experiment.
- It can be a substance, a reaction, or a device.
- Types of systems:
- Open system – can exchange both energy and matter with surroundings.
- Closed system – can exchange only energy, not matter.
- Isolated system – exchanges neither energy nor matter.
- Example: Water boiling in a pan (if we only consider the water as the system).
- Surroundings:
- Everything outside the system is the surroundings.
- Energy or matter can flow between system and surroundings depending on the type of system.
- Example: The air, the stove, and the kitchen around the boiling water.
Key idea:
- System = the focus of study.
- Surroundings = everything else that can interact with the system.