In referring to Earth's systems, which one of the following statements is accurate for an open system?

Question

A. An open system is unchanging.

B. The human influence has little effect on an open system.

C. An open system exchanges energy with its surroundings.

D. An open system is unaffected by outside objects.

Answer 1

Classifying becomes a difficult proposition and it can only be done broadly.

Earth is a closed system (not strictly) except the enormous energy addition of Sun's radiation power.

A. It is not an open system

B. Human influence alters it to the detriment of humans who feel extremely uncomfortable, but Earth couldn't care less. Now, where do you stand?

C. There is energy exchange with the extraterrestial environment. But if there is no 2 way flow, Earth gets heated up as time passes. it is not happening so. It is a closed system or it is in balance with its surroundings. Or its equilibrium is set at a 'state'  where it is comfortable to the continuance of human race in (geological) short term at least. Again, where do you stand now, with your anthropocentric view?

D. Again every system 'per se', being a 'system' is closed. A seemingly open system is only part of a closed system to which it contributes or gains. But systems are in equilibrium with their environs. or else, it becomes catastrophic and will not survive.

Answer 2

I vote for C

A-Nothing is unchanging, especially something open-exchanging with environment

B-The anti-global warming people would love you.

C-My vote

D-Like the sun, etc,. I don't think so.

Answer 3

an open system is one in which there can be gain or loss of mass and-or energy with what is outside of the system.

The earth is an open system with respect to both mass and energy-the erath gains a little mass constantly from stuff falling in from space, and loses a little mass constantly from the solar wind carrying away the outer atmosphere.

Obviously the sun's energy impacts earth and derives from outside, and the earth also emits energy.

C works.