closed system
No external exchange
A closed system exchanges energy but not matter with its surroundings—distinguished from an open system (which exchanges both) and an isolated system (which exchanges neither).
The term appears in thermodynamics, chemistry, and ecology: The terrarium functions as a closed system.
Figuratively, a closed system is any self-contained framework resistant to outside influence: His ideology operates as a closed system, impervious to contradictory evidence.
Separated from others
- conservationPreventing waste or loss
- heat transferMovement of thermal energy
- workEffort toward a goal
- boundaryLine marking a limit
energy · matter · entropy · irreversibility · equilibrium · pressure · volume · temperature
Interconnected organisms and surroundings
- energy flowMovement of power through systems
- food webInterconnected predator-prey relationships
- carbon cycleBiogeochemical element circulation process
- nitrogen cycleBiogeochemical element circulation
biosphere · decomposition · photosynthesis · respiration · biomass · terrarium · aquarium · vivarium
Whole without external parts
- hermeticImpenetrably closed off
- sealedClosed to prevent entry
- impermeableCannot be penetrated
- quarantinedIsolated to stop infection
insular · detached · cut-off · autarky · self-sufficient · enclave · compartmentalized · airlocked
Unchanging system condition
- homeostasisBiological internal stability maintenance
- dynamic equilibriumBalance through opposing changes
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
- stabilityResistance to displacement
self-regulation · feedback loops · constancy · regulated · modulated · equilibration · adjustment · calibrated
Regenerative resource management model
- recyclingReprocessing used materials
- upcyclingImproving discarded materials' value
- zero-wasteNo garbage produced
- regenerativeAble to renew itself
isolated
Separated from others
- conservationPreventing waste or loss
- heat transferMovement of thermal energy
- workEffort toward a goal
boundary · energy · matter · entropy · irreversibility · equilibrium · pressure · volume · temperature · gas laws
ecosystem
Interconnected organisms and surroundings
- energy flowMovement of power through systems
- food webInterconnected predator-prey relationships
- carbon cycleBiogeochemical element circulation process
nitrogen cycle · biosphere · decomposition · photosynthesis · respiration · biomass · terrarium · aquarium · vivarium · self-sustaining
self-contained
Whole without external parts
- hermeticImpenetrably closed off
- sealedClosed to prevent entry
- impermeableCannot be penetrated
quarantined · insular · detached · cut-off · autarky · self-sufficient · enclave · compartmentalized · airlocked · pressurized
steady state
Unchanging system condition
- homeostasisBiological internal stability maintenance
- dynamic equilibriumBalance through opposing changes
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
stability · self-regulation · feedback loops · constancy · regulated · modulated · equilibration · adjustment · calibrated · synchronization
circular economy
Regenerative resource management model
- recyclingReprocessing used materials
- upcyclingImproving discarded materials' value
- zero-wasteNo garbage produced
- systemsecosystems, ecosystem, biological systems, transportation network, communication systems
- miniature worldsterrarium, aquarium, diorama, snow globe, ant farm
- nursing suppliesbreast pump, breast pads, nursing bra, nursing pads, nursing pillow
- self-containmentself-reliance, autonomy, independence, self-sufficiency, wholeness
- Black Boxesflight recorder, cockpit recorder, cockpit voice recorder, data recorder, voice recorder
- Simplificationsideal gas, frictionless, point source, rigid body, blackbody