Is the universe an isolated system?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether the universe functions as an isolated system, meaning that it does not exchange matter or energy with anything outside of itself. This involves understanding the principles of thermodynamics and the definition of isolated systems in physics.
Answer
The universe is an isolated system.
The universe is commonly considered an isolated system because, by definition, it encompasses everything, making it impossible for it to exchange matter or energy with an external environment.
Answer for screen readers
The universe is commonly considered an isolated system because, by definition, it encompasses everything, making it impossible for it to exchange matter or energy with an external environment.
More Information
An isolated system is a system that does not exchange matter or energy with its surroundings. Since the universe contains all that exists, there is no external environment for such an exchange.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing 'isolated' with 'closed'. A closed system can exchange energy but not matter with its surroundings, while an isolated system exchanges neither.
Sources
- Isolated Systems in Physics: Definition and Examples - Study.com - study.com
- Why it is said that Universe is an isolated system? - Physics Stack Exchange - physics.stackexchange.com
- Week 4- The Universe is an Isolated System? - Laurence Lavelle - lavelle.chem.ucla.edu
