Isolated System

Definition

An isolated system is a physical system that does not exchange any matter with its surroundings, though it may exchange energy. It is a self-contained system that is completely separated from the external environment, allowing for the study of its internal processes and transformations without external influences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In an isolated system, the total energy of the system remains constant, as no energy can be added or removed from the system.
2. The momentum of an isolated system is also conserved, meaning the total momentum of the system remains constant over time.
3. Isolated systems are often used in the study of thermodynamics, as they allow for the analysis of energy transformations and the behavior of systems without external influences.
4. The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of an isolated system not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time, approaching a maximum at equilibrium.
5. The zeroth law of thermodynamics establishes the concept of thermal equilibrium, which is a state achieved when two isolated systems in contact with each other have the same temperature.

Review Questions

• Explain how the conservation of momentum principle applies to an isolated system.
  • In an isolated system, the total momentum of the system is conserved. This means that the total momentum before and after any interactions or changes within the system remains constant. The principle of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of an isolated system is always conserved, regardless of the internal processes or transformations occurring within the system. This is a fundamental concept in the study of mechanics and the behavior of isolated systems.
• Describe the relationship between an isolated system and the first law of thermodynamics.
  • The first law of thermodynamics states that the total energy of an isolated system is constant. In an isolated system, energy can be transformed from one form to another, such as from thermal energy to mechanical energy, but the total energy of the system remains the same. This is because an isolated system does not exchange energy with its surroundings, and therefore, the total energy of the system is conserved. The first law of thermodynamics is a crucial principle in understanding the behavior of isolated systems and the transformations of energy within them.
• Analyze the role of entropy in the second law of thermodynamics as it applies to an isolated system.
  • The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of an isolated system not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time, approaching a maximum at equilibrium. This means that the disorder or randomness of an isolated system will naturally increase as the system evolves, unless external work is done on the system. In an isolated system, the entropy can only increase or remain constant, but it cannot decrease. This principle explains the spontaneous and irreversible nature of many processes and the tendency of isolated systems to move towards a state of maximum entropy, or equilibrium. Understanding the role of entropy in isolated systems is essential for predicting and analyzing the behavior of thermodynamic systems.

Related terms

Closed System: A closed system can exchange energy with its surroundings, but not matter. It is a type of isolated system that allows for the transfer of energy, but not the transfer of materials or substances.

Adiabatic Process: An adiabatic process is a thermodynamic process in which a system exchanges no heat with its surroundings. It is a type of isolated system where no heat is added or removed from the system.

Equilibrium: Equilibrium is a state of a system in which all competing influences are balanced, and the system's properties remain constant over time. Isolated systems tend to reach a state of equilibrium.