1.2 Systems and Models

Question 1

What is a system?

Answer 1

A system is made up on individual component parts which are linked together and affect each other. All parts work together to perform a particular function. Systems are compromised of storages and flows.

“A system is any collection of components that work together to perform a function.”

Question 2

What is “Synergy”?

Answer 2

The combined power of a group of things when they are working together that is greater than the total power achieved by each working separately

Question 3

What do all systems have?

Answer 3

• A boundary beyond which lies their environment
• Inputs (energy, materials or both)
• Outputs (energy, materials or both)

Question 4

What is the difference between energy and matter in systems?

Answer 4

Energy flows into and then out of the system but matter cycles around and around

Question 5

What is the general purpose of a Model?

Answer 5

To understand AND predict the world

Question 6

What must happen to the input and output for a system to be in equilibrium?

Answer 6

Inputs = Outputs

Question 7

What are the three main types of systems?

Answer 7

Open, closed and isolated

Question 8

What is an open system?

Answer 8

An open system is the most common type of system, it is where BOTH matter AND energy are exchanged with the surroundings.

Question 9

What is a closed system?

Answer 9

A closed system is where only energy is exchanged with it’s surroundings, and not matter. Matter cycles round within the system.

Question 10

What is an isolated system?

Answer 10

An isolated system is where the system exchanges no energy or matter with it’s surroundings. This is a theoretical concept, and there are no real life examples.

Question 11

Give an example of an open system

Answer 11

Most ecosystems, food production systems and many others

Question 12

Give an example of a closed system

Answer 12

A balanced aquarium with a sealed lid, OR the earth which is almost a closed system

Question 13

Give an example of an isolated system

Answer 13

No real example, possibly the universe

Question 14

When drawing a system diagram, how would you draw a storage? (stores of matter or energy)

Answer 14

A box

Question 15

When drawing a system diagram, how would you draw a flow into and out of the system? (inputs and outputs)

Answer 15

Arrows

Question 16

When drawing a system diagram, how would you draw the boundaries?

Answer 16

Lines (eg. circle, square)

Question 17

What is a transfer?

Answer 17

A transfer simply moves energy or matter from one place to another without changing it in any way
eg. water flows in rivers across the land

Question 18

What is a transformation?

Answer 18

A transformation is a movement of energy and matter but in the process of doing so there is a change of state or form
eg. water changing states

Question 19

What is a model?

Answer 19

A model is a simplified version of reality that tells a story about what happens in the natural world and makes it easier to understand, in order to make predictions about what could happen in a similar situations.

Question 20

What are some advantages of models?

Answer 20

They help illustrate complex concepts, brings out pattern and is a simplified version of real life

Question 21

What are some disadvantages of models?

Answer 21

They lack detail so predictions may not be that accurate, over-simplification can cause misunderstandings and may be misleading.

Question 22

How would you draw a tree systems diagram?

Answer 22

TREE systems diagram