An isolated system is a physical system that does not interact with its surroundings. This means that no energy or matter is exchanged between the system and its environment. In an isolated system, the total energy (including potential and kinetic energy) and the total mass remain constant over time.
Isolated systems have several key characteristics:
Some examples of isolated systems include:
When studying isolated systems, it's important to understand the following concepts:
Additionally, it's useful to be familiar with the mathematical and computational methods used to analyze isolated systems, such as energy conservation equations and thermodynamic principles.
By understanding isolated systems, you can gain insight into the fundamental principles of energy and matter conservation, which are essential in various scientific disciplines including physics, chemistry, and environmental science.