Which statement best describes an open system?

The correct description of an open system is that it allows for the exchange of both energy and matter with its surroundings. This characteristic distinguishes open systems from closed and isolated systems, which have different interactions with their environments. An open system, such as a living organism, can take in matter (like food and air) and release waste products, while simultaneously exchanging energy (like heat) with its surroundings. This interaction is crucial for processes such as metabolism in biological systems or energy transfers in various physical systems.

The other descriptions do not accurately represent an open system. For example, a system that does not allow energy flow would be classified as isolated, and a system that only transforms energy but not matter would be closed. In contrast, the notion of only utilizing kinetic energy refers to a specific form of energy and does not encompass the broader interactions typical in an open system. Thus, the statement about the ability to exchange both energy and matter is the most comprehensive and correct description of an open system.