OPEN AND CLOSED SYSTEMS

It’s more than matter!

As you know, THE LAW OF CONSERVATION
OF MASS STATES that during a chemical
reaction, matter is not created or destroyed.
•
This means that in a chemical reaction, all
of the atoms present at the start of the
reaction are present at the end of the
reaction.
 The Chemistry of Burnt Wood

•
We know that the mass of the
reactants must equal the mass of the
products……But where does mass of the
burnt wood go?
 Literally, up in smoke

• It would be nearly impossible to measure all

the matter involved in this reaction as so
much escapes into the air.
This type of natural condition where
different types of matter interact
freely with other matter is called an
OPEN SYSTEM.

•
The rusting of metal and the human body
are both examples of open systems.
 Keep this in mind!
•
SYSTEMS can include more than chemical
reactions. Cycles, energy and living and
nonliving things can be described as systems.
If you want to measure ALL the matter
occurring in a reaction you have to
contain it!

Botulism in canned Closed system reaction.

food.
In a CLOSED SYSTEM, matter does
not enter or leave.

Terrarium Aqua Terrarium

 In nature there are many more
examples of Open Systems!
•
Open or closed? Why?
•

•
Open or closed? Why?
•

•
Open or Closed Systems?
 In nature are there more open or
closed systems? Why?

In a scientific experiment, which type of system would

be the best to demonstrate conservation of mass?
Why?
 If time permits, check this website!

https://
sites.google.com/a/ltps.info/mrs-bozarth-s-website/webpages/8th-grade-chemistr
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