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Open System vs. Closed System — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 23, 2023
Open System exchanges matter and energy with surroundings, while a Closed System allows energy but not matter exchange.

Difference Between Open System and Closed System

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Key Differences

An Open System notably engages in the transfer of both energy and matter with its external environment, facilitating a dynamic interaction that perpetually impacts and is impacted by external forces. Conversely, a Closed System distinctly restricts the exchange of matter with its external surroundings, albeit, it may permit the exchange of energy, ensuring an intrinsic difference in interactional dynamics between the two.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
From a thermodynamic perspective, an Open System is inherently predisposed to changes in entropy owing to the unregulated exchange of matter and energy, thereby subscribing to a continuous state of dynamic instability. In opposition, a Closed System can maintain a relatively stable state of entropy, particularly if it’s isolated from external energy exchanges, which can be attributed to its restrictive boundaries and resultant diminished interaction with external parameters.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
In the realm of an Open System, the incessant interaction with its environment can herald adaptations, evolutions, and a perpetual state of fluctuation, attributing to a malleable and adaptive operational modality. On the contrary, a Closed System adheres to a more isolated operational modality, wherein the system is substantially more insulated from the influencing machinations of external variables, thereby manifesting a relatively stable internal environment.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Analyzing an Open System reveals a permeable boundary that allows for the seamless transition of both matter and energy across its confines, promoting an innate susceptibility to environmental influences and an integrated relationship with its surroundings. In stark contrast, the boundaries of a Closed System are decidedly impermeable to matter, culminating in a selective interaction with its surroundings, predominantly through the controlled exchange of energy.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023

Comparison Chart

Matter Exchange

Permits matter and energy exchange
Does not permit matter exchange
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Oct 23, 2023
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Energy Exchange

Permits energy exchange
Permits energy exchange
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Interaction with Surroundings

High interaction
Limited interaction
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Stability

Less stable due to constant exchange
More stable with restricted exchange
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Adaptability

Highly adaptable to surrounding changes
Less adaptable to changes
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Definitions

Open System

Exhibits permeable boundaries for matter and energy.
A boiling pot is an open system as it allows steam to escape.
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Closed System

Exhibits a selective boundary, allowing limited external interaction.
A thermos keeps coffee hot, acting as a closed system by limiting energy exchange.
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Open System

Involves direct exchange with its external environment.
A pond, receiving rainwater and sunlight, is an open system.
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Closed System

Primarily insulates its internal processes from external influences.
A closed economy, ignoring international trade, functions as a closed system.
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Open System

Possesses dynamic stability due to external interactions.
The ocean is an open system, exchanging heat and matter with the atmosphere.
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Closed System

Maintains a more stable internal environment.
An isolated lab environment can be considered a closed system during experiments.
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Open System

Continually interacts and adapts to its environment.
A business operating as an open system adapts to market trends and changes.
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Closed System

Involves minimized interaction with external parameters.
A sealed terrarium operates largely as a closed system, having minimal matter exchange.
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Open System

Permits interaction of matter and energy with surroundings.
An ecosystem is an open system as it exchanges energy and matter with its surroundings.
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Oct 03, 2023

Closed System

Restricts matter exchange but may allow energy interaction.
A sealed bottle of water represents a closed system as it prevents matter exchange.
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Oct 03, 2023

FAQs

What distinguishes an Open System from a Closed System?

Open System allows exchange of matter and energy with surroundings, while Closed System restricts matter exchange.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023

What is an example of an Open System?

An example of an Open System is an ecosystem, due to matter and energy exchange.
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Oct 23, 2023

How does a Closed System maintain stability?

A Closed System maintains stability by restricting matter exchange, limiting environmental impact.
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Oct 23, 2023

How does an Open System adapt to changes?

An Open System adapts by interacting and exchanging matter and energy with its surroundings.
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Oct 23, 2023

Can a Closed System exchange energy?

Yes, a Closed System can exchange energy but not matter with its environment.
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Oct 23, 2023

Is the human body an Open System?

Yes, the human body is an Open System as it exchanges matter and energy with its environment.
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Oct 23, 2023

Can a system be both open and closed in different contexts?

Yes, depending on the aspect being considered (e.g., energy or matter), a system may be open or closed.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023

What is a key feature of the boundaries of a Closed System?

The boundaries of a Closed System are selective, primarily restricting the exchange of matter.
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Oct 23, 2023

Why is a thermos considered a Closed System?

A thermos is considered a Closed System as it largely restricts the exchange of matter and energy.
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Oct 23, 2023

Is a car engine an Open System?

Yes, a car engine is an Open System because it exchanges heat and matter (exhaust) with its surroundings.
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Oct 23, 2023

Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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