Thermodynamics

Bucknell University

Systems & Surroundings

There are three classifications of a system and its surroundings: an open system, a closed system, and an isolated system.

In thermodynamics, a system must be able to be defined by thermodynamic variables such as temperature, entropy, and pressure (Wikipedia). The surroundings are the things outside the system.

An open system is a system that exchanges both mass and energy with its surroundings (Wikipedia). A closed system is one that exchanges energy with its surroundings but not mass (Wikipedia). An isolated system is one that can not exchange neither energy or mass with its surroundings (Wikipedia).

Open and Closed Systems

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Using Video Media to Enhance Conceptual Learning in an Undergraduate Thermodynamics Course

This project was powered by the National Science Foundation Award number 1043697. This project involved students from Bucknell University, Manhattan College, and University of Kentucky creating instructional videos to teach topics in Thermodynamics.