1.2 - SYSTEMS AND MODELS

Question 1

What is a system?

Answer 1

An organized set of parts working towards a common goal, and their relationship.

Question 2

What is a model?

Answer 2

A representation of something.

Question 3

How are different parts of models represented?

Answer 3

Boxes/circles –> storage
Arrows –> flow of energy, going in its direction

Question 4

What is a transfer?

Answer 4

when a flow of energy or matter does not involve a change of form or state. This is normally a change in location (e.g. food chain, water flows from a river to the sea).

Question 5

What is a transformation?

Answer 5

when a flow of energy or matter involves a change of state (e.g. light energy to electrical energy in solar panel, burning coal to produce heat and light).

Question 6

What are the different types of systems?

Answer 6

Open systems: exchange matter and energy with its surroundings (e.g. an ecosystem)
Closed systems: exchange energy but not matter (e.g. biosphere)
Isolated systems: exchanges neither matter nor energy