Answer to Question #230060 in Physics for Tshidi

Question

Explain how we can conclude that the ball-wall system is closed but not isolated.

Answer 1

The wall runs in along y-axis, therefore it cannot change the x-component of the ball's momentum.

The x-component of the ball's momentum after the collision with with the wall is the same as before the collision:

$$P_x'=P_x$$

The ball-wall system can exchange energy (as heat or work) but not matter, with its surroundings. Thus, the ball-wall system is closed but not isolated.