What type of system allows both energy and matter to enter and exit freely?

An open system is characterized by the ability to exchange both energy and matter with its surroundings. This is crucial in many biological and ecological contexts where organisms interact with their environment. For example, in a living organism, nutrients and gas are taken in (matter) while waste and heat are released, indicating that the system is constantly interacting with its environment.

In contrast, a closed system allows energy to enter and leave but does not permit matter exchange. An isolated system, on the other hand, does not exchange either energy or matter with its surroundings, which is more theoretical in nature and not typically found in biological contexts. A dynamic system might refer to a changing or evolving state but does not specifically address the exchange of energy and matter. Therefore, the concept of an open system aligns perfectly with the idea of freely exchanging both energy and matter.