The best description of an open system is a system that can exchange energy and/or matter with its surroundings, often built upon published standards and protocols.
The best description of an open system is a system that can exchange energy and/or matter with its surroundings. This concept is fundamental in several fields of science, including physics and biology, where organisms are considered as open systems because they constantly exchange energy and matter with their environment. Such systems do not reach equilibrium because they are in a steady state where the rate of energy and mass input is equal to the rate of output, although this steady state can change over time.
In contrast, an isolated system does not exchange energy or matter with its surroundings, and a closed system exchanges energy but not matter. An open system typically follows certain standards and protocols from published specifications, allowing for interoperability and integration with other elements in its environment.
Therefore, Option A: 'System that is built upon standards and protocols from published specifications' best describes an open system within the provided choices, as it highlights the ability to interact with and adapt to its surroundings, which is a characteristic of open systems.