In what type of system is both energy and matter exchanged with the surroundings?

Prepare for the AQA GCSE Physics Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

An open system is characterized by the exchange of both energy and matter with its surroundings. In such systems, substances can enter or leave the system, and energy can flow in or out in the form of heat, work, or other transfers. This is commonly observed in many natural and industrial processes, such as in a boiling pot of water where steam can escape and heat is added from the stove.

In contrast, a closed system allows for energy transfer (such as heat) but does not permit matter to be exchanged with the surroundings. An isolated system, on the other hand, neither exchanges matter nor energy with the surroundings, making it effectively autonomous. A static system, while not a standard term in thermodynamics, typically implies no change occurring over time and does not specifically describe the exchange of energy or matter. Therefore, the open system is the correct classification for scenarios where both energy and matter are exchanged.

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