Open, closed, isolated and adiabatic systems
A system boundary determines which transfers count as exchanges.
Key knowledge
An open thermodynamic system permits matter to cross its boundary; a closed system permits no matter transfer but may exchange energy. An isolated system exchanges neither matter nor energy. Adiabatic means no heat transfer during the process: work can still transfer energy, so an adiabatic closed system need not be isolated.
Conditions and scope
- Specify the chosen boundary and the process interval; ideal isolation and adiabaticity can be approximations in practice.
- These exchange classifications do not by themselves establish thermal or mechanical equilibrium.
Sources · 5
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
- Classical Thermodynamics, Module 1 Lecture 1: system classificationNPTEL — course 112103016Course notes
- Thermodynamics and Propulsion: §1.2: definitions and fundamental ideasMassachusetts Institute of Technology — Unified Engineering course notesCourse notes
- University Physics Volume 2, 3-4-thermodynamic-processesSamuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny and William Moebs — OpenStax, Rice University (2016)Textbook chapter
- Basic Thermodynamics · Module1K. Srinivasan and Pradip Dutta · IIScCourse notes · PDF
- Thermodynamics · Physics (2026–27 reprint)National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)Textbook chapter · PDF
Evidence and review
Matter and energy exchange distinguish open, closed and isolated systems; adiabatic processes exclude heat transfer but may permit work.
2026-10-10 · Independent Chemistry, Biology and Earth/Cosmos editor (AI editorial review). Source checks and independent AI editorial review of compact reference claims, equations, units, conditions and conceptual mappings. This is not human specialist certification, laboratory accreditation, whole-book verification, or a claim that all possible foundational knowledge is present.
Foundational review
2026-10-10 · Independent AI editorial inspection of this new compact reference entry, its equations, applicability, sources and knowledge connections.
Sources from other places
Agreement within this scope
Open, closed and isolated classifications depend on boundary transfers; adiabatic systems can exchange work.
Heat insulation alone does not make a system isolated.
Indian Institute of Science · NPTEL
- Basic Thermodynamics · Module1 IndiaEnglish
System/surroundings/boundary, slides7–11
- Basic Thermodynamics · Module1
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
- Thermodynamics · Physics (2026–27 reprint) IndiaEnglish
11.8.3 Adiabatic process, p235
- Thermodynamics · Physics (2026–27 reprint)
Entry details
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