An isolated system is a thermodynamic system that cannot exchange either energy or matter outside the boundaries of the system. There are two ways in which this may occur:
- The system may be so distant from another system that it cannot interact with them.
- The system may be enclosed such that neither energy nor mass may enter or exit.
Isolated System Versus Closed System
An isolated system differs from a closed system by the transfer of energy. Closed systems are only closed to matter, energy can be exchanged across the system's boundaries.
Source
- Landsberg, P.T. (1978). Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics. Oxford University Press. Oxford UK. ISBN 0-19-851142-6.