Systems of practical interest are rarely isolated from their surroundings in their approach toward equilibrium. how is it then possible to conclude that the results of this development are general, i. e., are not limited to isolated systems?

Acaterpillar tries to climb straight up a wall a meter high, but for every 2 cm up it climbs, it slides down 1 cm. eventually, it reaches the top. when it reaches the top, it does not pull itself over so it will slide down 1 cm. what is the total displacement traveled?