Coffee cup, bomb calorimeter: Open, closed, or isolated?

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SUMMARY

A coffee cup is generally classified as a closed system due to the minimal evaporation of steam and coffee, which is often considered insignificant. In contrast, a bomb calorimeter is classified as an isolated system because it does not exchange matter or energy with its surroundings. The water inside a bomb calorimeter is not considered part of the surroundings, as it is integral to the system's function. Understanding the definitions and properties of open, closed, and isolated systems is crucial for accurately categorizing these examples.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic system classifications: open, closed, and isolated systems.
  • Basic knowledge of calorimetry and its applications.
  • Familiarity with the concept of energy and matter exchange in physical systems.
  • Ability to apply theoretical definitions to practical examples.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the definitions and properties of open, closed, and isolated systems in thermodynamics.
  • Study the principles of calorimetry, focusing on bomb calorimeters and their applications.
  • Explore real-world examples of thermodynamic systems to reinforce understanding.
  • Learn about the implications of system classifications in chemical reactions and energy conservation.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or chemistry, educators teaching thermodynamics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of energy and matter in various systems.

gauss44
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Is a coffee cup usually considered to be a closed system? Why or why not? Does it matter that steam or hot coffee may be evaporating? (I think the steam is usually considered to be an insignificant amount of matter, allowing classification to be a closed system, but am unsure.)

Is a bomb calorimeter an isolated system? Why or why not? Is the water inside of a bomb calorimeter generally considered to be part of the "surroundings?" (I think not, just checking.)

(I tried looking this up online and cannot find any definitive answer or actual examples that were adequately helpful.)
 
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This has the sound of homework: state the definitions/properties of open, closed, and isolated systems; apply those definitions/properties to the systems you've described.
 
gauss44 said:
I guess you could project that onto any question in this forum. I sense a troll at work.
It's a very common pre-lab quiz question intended to determine whether you know the definitions of open, closed, and isolated systems.

If you don't know the definitions/properties/differences of open, close, and isolated systems, this turns into an endless game of "Well if that's "blank," then what's this?"

State them, apply them to each, and I'll be more than happy to tell you whether you've done so correctly, or explain to you where you've done so incorrectly, and what is incorrect.
 
If a coffee cup is a closed system, how are you supposed to drink the coffee? You don't need to go online to find the answer to this question.
 
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