Initial State, Interaction and Final State

A vital aspect in the analysis of a physical system is the trio of initial state, interaction and final state of it. Technically there can be several ways in which the environment can influence the system and bring changes in its state. 

But, the important thing is to identify only those interactions which are in accordance to the objectives of the study. This article tries to get further insight on this topic.

Initial State, Interaction and Final State:

• ·        Every physical system at the beginning of an analysis exists in a particular state. This is its initial state.
• ·        Identification of this state and its total awareness decide the fate of the study of interest.
• ·        If the system is considered as isolated, the interaction takes place within the components of the system.
• ·        If it is a non-isolated system, then the influence of environment on the system is taken into account in a selective manner.
• ·        Irrespective of the type of the interaction, there are changes in the state of the system.
• ·        In certain analysis, intermediate states of interest are identified and studied.
• ·        In others, the final state of the system gains more attention. This state of the system is “final” only with respect to the objective of the study.
• ·        The decision to consider a particular state of the system as its final one is made in accordance with the  objective of the study.
• ·        Otherwise, there is constant interaction between the state and its immediate environment.

Conclusion: Awareness of the study objective and precise choice of the initial state, interactions and the final state of the system are at the heart of any scientific analysis.