Question

A group of scientists wants to observe the adaptation of a foreign fish species in a river ecosystem. To do this, they want to enclose the top and sides of a section of a river to block light and matter from entering the area. Evaluate whether this experimental system is an isolated system. Justify your answer based on the definition of an isolated system.

Answer 1

An isolated system does not allow any transfer of energy or matter in or out. The enclosed section of a river for studying fish adaptation by scientists is not an isolated system, as it would still exchange energy with the surrounding environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The experimental system described by the group of scientists who want to observe the adaptation of a foreign fish species in a river ecosystem by enclosing the top and sides of a section of the river is not an isolated system. An isolated system is defined as one that does not allow the transfer of energy or matter into or out of the system. Examples of close approximations to an isolated system include a gas surrounded by immovable and thermally insulating walls or a closed, insulated thermos-type bottle.

In the case of the enclosed section of the river, while matter and light are restricted, the system is still part of the larger river ecosystem and is likely to experience exchanges of energy, such as heat or kinetic energy due to the flow of water. Therefore, based on the definition of an isolated system, the enclosed section of the river cannot be considered truly isolated as it would continue to exchange energy with its environment.

Answer 2

yes because a thermodynamic system (isolated system) enclosed by rigid immovable walls through which neither mass nor energy can pass.