MCQ Detailed View

In thermodynamics, systems are classified based on how they interact with their surroundings. An open system allows both matter and energy to pass across its boundaries. This means that substances can enter or leave the system, and energy can flow in or out as heat or work. A common example of an open system is a boiling pot without a lid, where steam escapes while heat is added.

A closed system allows only energy exchange, but the matter inside remains fixed. For instance, a sealed container can absorb or release heat, but its contents cannot leave the container.

An isolated system cannot exchange either matter or energy. Such systems are idealized, but a well-insulated thermos approximates an isolated system by minimizing energy transfer and preventing matter escape.

The inert system is not a standard thermodynamic category. It may refer to systems where chemical reactions do not occur due to chemical inactivity, but it is not used in classifying matter-energy exchange.

Understanding open, closed, and isolated systems is important in Physical Chemistry, as it helps analyze chemical reactions, energy balances, and process efficiency. Open systems are widely used in experiments, industrial reactors, and natural processes where both material flow and energy transfer are involved.

In this question, the system that can exchange both matter and energy is the open system. Open systems allow continuous interaction with the surroundings, which is essential for processes like evaporation, boiling, and biological reactions. Recognizing system types helps in controlling chemical processes and predicting thermodynamic behavior.