Open System

The definition of an open system in science refers to any system that can exchange matter and energy with its environment. Open systems, however, are not connected to their surroundings by any fixed walls, but rather are open to the outside world through one or more boundaries known as interfaces. An interface can be defined as the surface of contact between two systems, such as the boundary between an open system and its surroundings and the boundary between different phases within an open system. Here we have listed examples of some commonly encountered open systems, where appropriate examples of open systems in thermodynamics will be given below.

A system that allows the transfer of energy and matter with its surroundings is called an open system in science. The rate of exchange of energy and matter between the system and its surroundings is called energy-dynamic processes in thermodynamics. We take a look at some of the examples of open systems in science, their characteristics, and the application areas.

Examples of Open Systems

Open systems are those that exchange both matter and energy with their surroundings. This is similar to a refrigerator: it takes in warm air, runs it through a compressor, which reduces its temperature, and puts out colder air than what came into it. In thermodynamics, we often deal with open systems since they can exchange matter or energy with their surroundings at relatively fast rates. Let’s take a look at three examples of open systems to help us better understand them further.

The Importance of Open Systems

Open systems allow new material to enter and remove any that has been left. Open systems are important to human development because they allow us to learn, acquire new knowledge, and make discoveries to advance as a species. Our brains function using an open system for example; we take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide so that we can survive. The world is filled with countless examples of open systems which humans have used throughout history to make scientific advancements.

How Does an Open System Work?

Open systems work through a combination of heat transfer and mass transfer. Heat is transferred by a combination of conduction, convection, and radiation. Once the energy has been added to an open system, it becomes less stable; energy is constantly being moved around within that system as energy can be transferred among its various parts.

What Are the Laws That Govern Open Systems?

The laws of thermodynamics govern all open systems. The first law states that the total amount of energy remains constant, which means that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can change form.

Is Everything in Nature an Open System?

Though everything in nature indeed tends to exist as an open system, there are some notable exceptions. Many substances tend to be chemically closed systems, meaning that they do not interact with their surroundings in any measurable way and exhibit no observable change over time.

How is matter conserved in an open system in thermodynamics?

In an open system in thermodynamics, the matter is conserved because, for the matter to be created or destroyed, energy is also required. However, due to many thermodynamic processes such as in a refrigerator and engine, the matter may not always be conserved. For example, in a car’s engine, an open system such as gasoline and oxygen (and other oxidants) are combined through combustion. The result of these two gases being combusted creates water vapor, carbon dioxide, and heat all of which are sent into the atmosphere while one product (energy) comes out with a mechanical force that powers your car.

What is the difference between isolated closed and open systems?

While the isolated closed system has no interactions with its environment, an open system has interchanges between itself and its surroundings. A chemical reaction is one of the most important forms of open systems. It does not require anything from outside to react and generate products (or energy). Thus, the closed system is a thermodynamic process that is completely isolated from its surroundings.

Conclusion

The open system plays an important role in the study of science. It consists of those parts which communicate with its environment by exchanging energy and/or matter with it. The open system has an interface that separates it from the environment and allows the exchange of energy, matter, and/or momentum between them. A good example of an open system can be found in thermodynamics such as a refrigerator or automobile engine.