Explain the difference between the system and surroundings.

(N/A) system in thermodynamics refers to that part of the universe in which observations are made,and the remaining universe constitutes the surroundings. The surroundings include everything other than the system.
The entire universe other than the system is not affected by the changes taking place in the system. Therefore,for all practical purposes,the surroundings are that portion of the remaining universe which can interact with the system. Usually,the region of space in the neighbourhood of the system constitutes its surroundings.
The universe $=$ The system $+$ The surroundings
For example,if we are studying the reaction between two substances $A$ and $B$ kept in a beaker,the beaker containing the reaction mixture is the system and the room where the beaker is kept is the surroundings.