Table of Contents
What is a thermodynamic system?
A thermodynamic system is an area (or volume) in space upon which study is concentrated.
Everything outside the system is called surrounding.
A system is separated from the surrounding with the help of a boundary. A boundary has zero thickness so it does not contain any matter.
Types of boundaries in thermodynamics
There are four types of boundaries in thermodynamics
- Fixed boundary
- Movable boundary
- Real boundary
- Imaginary boundary
Types of thermodynamic systems
There are three types of thermodynamic systems
- Open system
- Closed system
- Isolated system
Open system
An open system is a type of system in which mass and heat both can cross the boundary. Open system is also known as control volume.
Example of open system
A cup of hot coffee is a perfect example of open system since both heat and mass can cross system boundary.
Closed system
A closed system is a type of system in which only heat can cross the boundary. A closed system is also known as control mass
Example of closed system
A pot of boiling water with a lid over it is a perfect example of closed system since only heat can cross the systems boundary.
Isolated system
An isolated system is a type of system in which neither heat nor mass can cross the boundary.
Example of isolated system
A thermos flask Is a perfect example of isolated system since neither heat nor mass can cross system boundary.
Also read:
What is dead state in thermodynamics?
What is two property rule in thermodynamics?
Image attributions:
Featured: By en:User:Wavesmikey, traced by User:Stannered – en:Image:System-boundary.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3363180
Thermodynamic systems: By Alkh.Alwa – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49615539