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NEET Chemistry: System and surroundings Practice Questions

15 free multiple-choice questions on System and surroundings (Chemical Thermodynamics) for NEET Chemistry, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation. Attempt a question, then reveal the solution to check your reasoning.

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  1. Q1. Which of the following statements is true regarding the surroundings in a thermodynamic process?

    • AThe surroundings always remain in equilibrium during the process.
    • BThe surroundings are completely independent of the system.
    • CThe surroundings can exchange energy and matter with the system.
    • DThe surroundings define the state function of the system.
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — The surroundings can exchange energy and matter with the system.

    The surroundings are the environment outside the system, and thermodynamic processes inherently involve the exchange of energy or matter between the system and its surroundings.

  2. Q2. Which of the following scenarios represents an open thermodynamic system?

    • AA system where no heat is exchanged.
    • BA reaction occurring in a sealed bomb calorimeter.
    • CA boiling pot of water open to the atmosphere.
    • DA perfectly insulated thermos flask.
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — A boiling pot of water open to the atmosphere.

    An open system allows the exchange of both energy and matter with its surroundings (e.g., water boiling and exchanging heat/mass with the atmosphere).

  3. Q3. Consider a system in thermal equilibrium with its surroundings. What can be inferred about the net energy exchange over a long period?

    • AThere is no net heat exchange.
    • BThe system is spontaneously evolving.
    • CThe system must be undergoing an adiabatic process.
    • DThe system is an isolated system.
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — There is no net heat exchange.

    In thermal equilibrium, there is no net macroscopic change in energy exchange with the surroundings, meaning no net heat exchange over a long period.

  4. Q4. Which statement best describes the relationship between a system and its surroundings?

    • AThe system is an independent entity interacting with the surroundings
    • BThe system is defined by its total mass
    • CThe system is always inside the surroundings
    • DThey are mathematically interchangeable
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — The system is an independent entity interacting with the surroundings

    The system is a defined entity interacting with the surroundings; the surroundings are everything outside that interacts with it.

  5. Q5. Which of the following represents the region where energy exchange occurs between the system and its surroundings?

    • ABoundary
    • BSystem
    • CSurroundings
    • DInterior
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — Surroundings

    The surroundings is the region outside the system, and the boundary is the interface between the system and surroundings where energy exchange (heat or work) happens.

  6. Q6. If a process occurs without any exchange of energy with the surroundings, the system is considered:

    • AClosed.
    • BIsolated.
    • COpen.
    • DAdiabatic.
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B — Isolated.

    An isolated system is one that neither exchanges energy nor matter with its surroundings.

  7. Q7. An isolated system is characterized by:

    • ANo exchange of matter or energy with surroundings
    • BA fixed amount of mass
    • CConstant volume
    • DConstant temperature and constant pressure
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — No exchange of matter or energy with surroundings

    An isolated system is one that neither exchanges energy nor matter with its surroundings.

  8. Q8. The surroundings are the region external to the system that:

    • ADetermines the state function of the system.
    • BAffects the internal energy of the system.
    • CInteracts with the system and exchanges energy or matter.
    • DIs entirely defined by the system's internal boundaries.
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — Interacts with the system and exchanges energy or matter.

    The surroundings are the external environment with which the system interacts, allowing energy or matter transfer.

  9. Q9. Which type of system is characterized by no exchange of both mass and energy with its surroundings?

    • AIsolated system
    • BAdiabatic system
    • COpen system
    • DClosed system
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — Isolated system

    An isolated system is one that neither exchanges mass nor energy with its surroundings.

  10. Q10. Which of the following terms refers to the amount of matter that can cross the boundary of a system?

    • APhase change
    • BEnergy transfer
    • CSystem boundary
    • DMass flow
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — System boundary

    The system boundary is the conceptual or physical surface separating the system from its surroundings. It dictates what exchanges (matter or energy) are possible.

  11. Q11. A system that allows energy to cross its boundary but prevents the exchange of matter is known as a:

    • AOpen system
    • BAdiabatic system
    • CClosed system
    • DIsolated system
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — Open system

    An open system allows energy transfer but restricts matter transfer across the boundary.

  12. Q12. In thermodynamics, the surroundings is defined as the region that:

    • AIs entirely isolated from the system
    • BIs inside the defined system
    • CHas the same temperature as the system
    • DInteracts with the system but is not part of it
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — Interacts with the system but is not part of it

    The surroundings comprises everything external to the system. It interacts with the system (e.g., heat exchange) but is not included as part of the system itself.

  13. Q13. A system that allows the exchange of energy but not matter with its surroundings is classified as:

    • AAdiabatic system
    • BIsolated system
    • CClosed system
    • DOpen system
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — Open system

    A system that can exchange energy (heat/work) but not matter is defined as an open system (in terms of energy transfer), although the strict thermodynamic definition often involves the distinction between open/closed/isolated regarding matter exchange. (For the context of energy flow, this defines systems that interact thermally).

  14. Q14. A system that is completely isolated from its surroundings is defined as a:

    • AClosed system
    • BOpen system
    • CIsolated system
    • DAdiabatic system
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — Isolated system

    An isolated system is one that neither exchanges energy nor matter with its surroundings.

  15. Q15. The boundary separating the system from its surroundings is known as the:

    • ASurroundings surface
    • BState function
    • CSystem boundary
    • DInterior of the system
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — System boundary

    The boundary defines the limit of the system, separating it from the external environment (surroundings).

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