1.2 Systems and models

Question 1

Model

Answer 1

A simplified version of reality used to understand how a system works and predict how it will respond to change

Question 2

System

Answer 2

A set of parts and the relationships between them working together to make a functioning whole

Question 3

Transformation

Answer 3

A change in chemical nature, state or energy

Question 4

Examples of transfers

Answer 4

DIffusion, precipitation, harvesting

Question 5

Open system

Answer 5

Exchanges both matter and energy across its bounderies

Question 6

Closed system

Answer 6

Exchanges only energy across its bounderies
e.g(approximately)
- Atoms
- Biosphere II
- Earth
- Global matter cycles

Question 7

Isolated system

Answer 7

Neither matter nor energy is exchanged across the boundary

Question 8

Emergent properties

Answer 8

Properties which a complex system has but the individual components do not have

Question 9

Reductionism

Answer 9

Breaking down a system into its smallest parts to understand how it works

Question 10

Holistic approach

Answer 10

Looking at how all the parts of the system work together