Closed system

Definition

A closed system is a physical system that does not exchange matter with its surroundings, but can exchange energy. In mechanics, it is often used to analyze conservation laws such as the conservation of linear momentum.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A closed system only exchanges energy, not matter, with its surroundings.
2. In a closed system, the total linear momentum remains constant if no external forces act on it.
3. Collisions are often analyzed within the framework of a closed system to apply conservation of linear momentum.
4. The concept helps simplify calculations by focusing only on internal interactions.
5. In elastic collisions within a closed system, both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes a closed system from an isolated or open system?
• How does the conservation of linear momentum apply in a collision within a closed system?
• Why is it useful to consider systems as closed when analyzing mechanical problems?

Related terms

Open System: A physical system that exchanges both matter and energy with its surroundings.

Isolated System: A physical system that does not exchange either matter or energy with its surroundings.

Conservation of Linear Momentum: A principle stating that the total linear momentum of a closed or isolated system remains constant if no external forces act on it.