Determine if the following scenarios are part of an open or closed system, in terms of Chemistry.

Question

1. During combustion, fuel and oxygen are consumed, producing exhaust gases, heat, and work to drive the engine’s pistons. Exhaust gases are released through the tailpipe.

2. A sealed soda can is placed in a cooler. No air can enter or leave, but the temperature of the soda slowly drops as heat is transferred to the cooler.

3. A pot of water is boiling on a stove without a lid. Steam is escaping from the pot as heat is continuously added from the stove.

4. Earth absorbs energy from the sun and re-radiates heat, but some of the heat is trapped by gases in the atmosphere, affecting the planet's temperature.

5. A reaction occurs inside a tightly sealed thermos, which is designed to keep both heat and matter from escaping or entering.

Answer 1

In terms of chemistry, we can categorize the scenarios as follows:

1. Open System: During combustion, fuel and oxygen are consumed, producing exhaust gases, heat, and work. Exhaust gases are released through the tailpipe, indicating that both matter (gases) and energy (heat) are exchanged with the surroundings.

2. Closed System: The sealed soda can allows no air to enter or leave, but heat can be exchanged (in this case, heat is transferred to the cooler). Since mass cannot leave or enter the system, it is classified as a closed system.

3. Open System: The pot of boiling water without a lid releases steam (matter) into the environment while heat is continuously added from the stove. This indicates that both matter and energy are exchanged, thus classifying it as an open system.

4. Open System: Earth absorbs energy from the sun and re-radiates heat, with some heat being trapped by gases in the atmosphere. This shows that energy is entering and leaving the system, so it is an open system.

5. Closed System: The reaction occurs inside a tightly sealed thermos designed to prevent both heat and matter from escaping or entering. Since neither mass nor energy crosses the boundaries, it is classified as a closed system.

To summarize:

1. Open System
2. Closed System
3. Open System
4. Open System
5. Closed System