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Isolated System

Definition

An isolated system is a physical system that does not exchange matter or energy with its surroundings.

Analogy

Imagine a closed jar filled with marbles. The marbles represent the matter and energy within the system, while the jar represents the boundaries of the system. In an isolated system, no marbles can enter or leave the jar, and no energy can be transferred in or out.

Related terms

Closed System: A closed system allows for the transfer of energy but not matter across its boundaries.

Open System: An open system allows for both the transfer of matter and energy across its boundaries.

Conservation Laws: Conservation laws state that certain properties, such as mass, momentum, and energy, remain constant in an isolated system unless acted upon by external forces.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.