Thermodynamic system | Types

What is a thermodynamic system?

A thermodynamic system can be defined as a body of matter or radiation, bounded in space by walls, with defined permeabilities, which separates it from its surroundings. The surroundings may include other thermodynamic systems or physical systems that are not a thermodynamic system. You may arise question what is surroundings?

The thermodynamic system has its boundaries, and anything outside the boundaries is called surroundings. 

Thermodynamic system and types
Thermodynamic system and types

Types of the thermodynamic system:


The thermodynamic system can be classified into three types such as a closed system, open system, an isolated system. There is a minor difference between an open and closed system. Let us discuss that in details one by one. 

What is a closed system?

A closed system is a physical system whose boundaries are determined by the space of the working substance occupied in it. This system does not allow certain types of transfers, through the transfer of energy is allowed. 

Example: Sun

What is an open system?

An open system is a physical system that has external interactions. These interactions can take the form of information, energy, or material transfers to or from the system boundary. The working substance crosses the boundary of the system such as heat and work.

Example: Water flowing in a pipeline

What is an isolated system?

An isolated system is a physical system that removed from other systems and it does not interact with them. The thermodynamic system enclosed by rigid immovable walls through which neither mass nor energy can pass. An isolated system is fixed mass and no heat or work cross its boundary. 

Example: Coffee in a thermos flask

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