How does a closed system differ from an isolated system?

A closed system is characterized by the ability to exchange energy with its surroundings while preventing the transfer of matter. This means that heat can be exchanged between the system and the environment, allowing for temperature changes within the system. However, the amount of matter remains constant as nothing can enter or leave the system.

In contrast to a closed system, an isolated system does not exchange either matter or energy with its surroundings, making it entirely self-contained. This distinction is crucial in thermodynamics and helps in understanding how different systems behave under various conditions.

The choice that indicates a closed system allows heat transfer accurately captures this concept, reinforcing the idea that while energy, such as heat, can flow in and out of the system, matter cannot. Understanding this differentiation between closed and isolated systems is fundamental when dealing with thermodynamic processes and energy conservation principles.