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Thermodynamic system

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College Physics III – Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism

Definition

A thermodynamic system is a specific portion of matter or a region in space chosen for analysis, where energy exchanges with its surroundings are studied. It can be isolated, closed, or open depending on the nature of the exchange.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. An isolated system cannot exchange neither matter nor energy with its surroundings.
  2. A closed system can exchange energy but not matter with its surroundings.
  3. An open system can exchange both matter and energy with its surroundings.
  4. The first law of thermodynamics applies to all types of thermodynamic systems and states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed.
  5. State functions like internal energy, enthalpy, and entropy describe the properties of a thermodynamic system.

Review Questions

  • What distinguishes an isolated system from a closed system?
  • How does the first law of thermodynamics apply to a closed system?
  • Define state functions and give three examples relevant to thermodynamic systems.

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