In a thermodynamic study a scientist focuses on the properties of a solution in an apparatus as illustrated. A solution is continuously flowing into the apparatus at the top and out at the bottom, such that the amount of solution in the apparatus is constant with time. (a) Is the solution in the apparatus a closed system, open system, or isolated system? Explain your choice. (b) If it is not a closed system, what could be done to make it a closed system?

Short Answer

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The solution in the apparatus is an open system because both energy and matter are being exchanged with the surroundings due to the continuous flow of the solution in and out of the apparatus. To make it a closed system, we need to stop the inflow and outflow of the solution, and use a closed container or seal the existing apparatus to prevent the exchange of matter while still allowing energy exchange.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the thermodynamic system

To identify if it's an open, closed, or isolated system, we should first understand the definitions of these thermodynamic systems: 1. Open system: Energy and matter can be exchanged between the system and its surroundings. 2. Closed system: Energy can be exchanged, but matter cannot be exchanged between the system and its surroundings. 3. Isolated system: Neither energy nor matter can be exchanged between the system and its surroundings. In this case, since the solution is continuously flowing in and out of the apparatus, both energy and matter are being exchanged with the surroundings. Therefore, the system can be classified as an open system.
02

Explain the choice of the system

We can justify our choice of it being an open system because the definition states that open systems allow the exchange of both energy and matter with their surroundings. In this given scenario, the solution is continuously flowing in and out of the apparatus, which implies that the matter is being exchanged. Moreover, it is reasonable to assume that energy is being exchanged as well, due to the presence of a solution interacting with the environment.
03

Provide suggestions to make it a closed system

In order to make the given apparatus a closed system, we need to prevent the exchange of matter between the solution and its surroundings while still allowing energy exchange. We can achieve this by implementing these changes: 1. Stop the inflow and outflow of the solution: By stopping the continuous flow of the solution, we can ensure that the number of particles within the system remains constant. 2. Use a closed container: Replace the open apparatus with a closed container or seal the existing apparatus, to physically prevent matter from entering or leaving the system. By doing this, the apparatus will become a closed system in which energy exchange is allowed, but matter exchange is restricted.

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