Systems Frameworks And Their Application Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is a flow/transfer?
This is a link between two stores or components. It involves the movement of energy or mass.
Define input:
This is the addition of matter or energy into a system.
What is a store/component?
This is a part of a system where energy or mass is stored or transformed.
What is a system?
A system is a set of interrelated components that work together towards some kind of process.
What are the three types of property?
Elements
Attributes
Relationships
What is an element?
An element is a thing that makes up part of the system.
What is an attribute?
An attribute is a perceived characteristic of an element.
What is meant by a relationship?
This is the way in which different elements and their attributes work together to carry out a process.
What are the 4 main characteristics of a system?
They have a structure that lies within a boundary.
They are generalisations of reality.
They function by having inputs and outputs.
They involve the flow of material between components.
What are the 3 ways in which a system can be classified?
Isolated
Closed
Open
What is an isolated system?
An isolated system has no interactions with anything outside of the system boundary so there are no inputs or outputs.
Give an example of an isolated system.
A controlled laboratory experiment.
What is a closed system?
A closed system has transfers of energy both into and beyond the system boundary but does not transfer matter.
Define open system:
An open system is where matter and energy can be transferred from the system across the boundary into the surrounding environment.
Give an example of an open system:
An ecosystem.
What is dynamic equilibrium?
This is where there is a balance between inputs and outputs.
When does feedback occur?
When there is a shift due to an imbalance of inputs and outputs therefore resulting in no dynamic equilibrium.
What is positive feedback?
This is where the effects of an action are amplified by subsequent secondary effects.
Give an example of positive feedback.
An increase in carbon dioxide levels.
What is negative feedback?
This is where the effects of an action are nullified by its subsequent knock on effects.
Give an example of negative feedback.
The increased use of fossil fuels.
What is a cascading system?
An open system that forms part of a chain.
Is the Earth an open, closed or isolated system?
It is a closed system.
Are each if the Earth’s spheres open or closed systems?
Open
