System, Surroundings, Boundary, & Closed Systems
A fixed amount of mass. No mass can cross the boundary of the system.
The fluid within the cylinder of a piston-and-cylinder device is an example of a closed system with a moving boundary.
The system boundary is indicated on the diagram by the dashed, black line.
Closed Systems
Open Systems
Types of Systems:
Closed System -
a quantity of mass or a volume of space that
we have chosen to study and the surroundings are everything else in the universe. The system boundary separates the system from the surroundings.
we have chosen to study and the surroundings are everything else in the universe. The system boundary separates the system from the surroundings.
System -
Confused and have questions? We've got answers. With Chegg Study, you can get step-by-step solutions to your questions from an expert in the field. If you rather get 1:1 study help, try 30 minutes of free online tutoring with Chegg Tutors.
© B-Cubed, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2014, 2018. All rights reserved.
Roll your mouse over this box to close.
Join Learn Thermodynamics Advantage
- Download Data Tables
- Download Study Aids
- Homework problem hints and answers
- Get Help from Dr. B in the LT Blog
- 120 day membership
Get it ALL for $5 US