1.2 - Systems And Models Flashcards
Define a systems approach
A system approach is a way of visualising a complex set of Inter actions which may be ecological or societal
What is a system comprised of
Storages and flows
Which 2 process may the flows change in a system
- Transfers (a change in location)
- Transformation (a change in the chemical nature, a change in state or change in energy)
How are storages and flows represented in a systems diagram
In system diagrams, storages are usually represented as rectangular boxes and flows as arrows with the arrow indicating the direction of the flow. The size of the box and the arrow may represents the magnitude of the storage or flow
What does an open system exchange
An open system exchanges both energy and matter across its boundary while a closed system only exchanges energy across its boundary
Define an isolated system
An isolated system is a hypothetical concept in which neither energy nor matter is exchanged across the boundary
What kind of system in a open system
Ecosystems are open systems. Closed systems only exists experimentally although the global geochemical cycles approximate closed systems
What is a model
A model is a simplified version of reality and can be used to understand how a system works and predict how it will respond to change
What scale can a system be
A system can be any scale. A cell is a system, humans are, a bicycle is and a pond
What are the 3 types of system
Open, closed and isolated but most systems are open in nature
What transfers and transfers in a system
Material and energy undergo transfers and transformations in flowing from one storage to the next
What is the biosphere
The biosphere is a fragile skin on the plant. It includes the air, rocks and eater within which life occurs. Humans and all ther organisms live within this thin layer.
What is an open system
An open system exchanges matter and energy with its surroundings
What’s an example of a transfer
Water moving from river to the sea
The movement of material through living organisms
The movement of material in a non living process
