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System
A set of interrelated components that work together to form a whole
Open system
Exchanges both energy and matter with its surroundings
Closed system
Exchanges only energy, not matter, with its surroundings
Isolated system
Hypothetical system that exchanges neither energy nor matter
First law of thermodynamics
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed
Second law of thermodynamics
Energy is lost as heat during energy transfers, increasing entropy (disorder)
Equilibrium
A state of balance in a system
Steady-state equilibrium
A system that remains stable over time despite small fluctuations
Feedback loop
A process in which a system’s output affects its own operation
Positive feedback loop
Enhances change, leading to instability
Negative feedback loop
Reduces change, promoting stability
Note 
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