Open,closed,and isolated systems.

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the definitions and characteristics of open, closed, and isolated systems in the context of physical and chemical reactions. An open system allows for the exchange of both matter and energy, while a closed system permits only energy exchange, and an isolated system restricts both. Humans are classified as open systems due to their ability to exchange energy and matter with their environment, such as through respiration, which alters the atomic and molecular composition of the body.

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  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles
  • Basic knowledge of chemical reactions
  • Familiarity with system classifications in physics
  • Concept of matter and energy exchange
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  • Research the laws of thermodynamics and their implications on system classifications
  • Explore examples of open, closed, and isolated systems in chemical reactions
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Students of chemistry and physics, educators teaching thermodynamics, and professionals in scientific research focusing on system dynamics and energy exchanges.

LogicalAcid
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I know how they differ from one another, but what are they physically? Are humans closed systems, because we are able to exchange energy between us and our surroundings, but what I am trying to learn is the kinds of systems in chemical reactions: which elements react to form different systems, which molecules/compounds are open/closed/isolated...?
 
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An open system can exchange matter and energy through its boundary. A closed system can exchange energy but NOT matter through its boundary. An isolated system can exchange neither energy nor matter through its boundary.

Humans are open systems, and not closed systems like you mentioned. We can exchange energy with our surroundings, but we can also exchange matter. For example, when we breathe, we are changing the number of atoms/molecules is our bodies.
 

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