1.2 Systems and models Flashcards

1
Q

what is a system?

A

Is an organized collection of interdependent components that perform a function and which are connected through the transfer of energy and/or matter
All the parts are linked together and affect each other.

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2
Q

when drawing a system, to represent a store, what would you draw?

A

a box

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3
Q

when drawing a system, to represent a flows, what would you draw?

A

arrow, for both inputs and outputs.

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4
Q

when’d rating flows in a system, what affects the thickness of the arrow?

A

The thickness of the arrows should be proportional to the number

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5
Q

what is an open system?

A

The most common system (all ecosystems are open systems!)
Exchanges both matter and energy with its surroundings

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6
Q

give a detailed example of an open system?

A

Think about a forest ecosystem.
Plants take in light energy and convert into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
Animals enrich the soil with faecal matter.
Heat energy is exchanged with
the surrounding environment…

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7
Q

what is a closed system?

A

Exchange only energy with the environment
Very rare in nature

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8
Q

can you give an example of a closed system?

A

Earth can almost be thought of as a closed system.
Light energy enters the Earth’s system and some eventually returns to space as long-wave radiation (a very small amount of matter is exchanged hence it not quite a fully closed system!)
Most are artificial. For example an aquarium can be sealed so only light and heat energy is exchanged.

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9
Q

what is an isolated System?

A

Exchange neither matter or energy with its environment
Never exist naturally

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10
Q

what is a transformation?

A

when matter or energy change form or state
moving through a system.

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11
Q

can you give examples of transformations?

A

Light energy to electrical energy in a solar panel (energy to different form of energy)
Melting, evaporation, freezing, condensing (changes of state)

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12
Q

what is a transfer?

A

matter and energy moving through a system without changing form or state.
Usually involve a change of location

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13
Q

can you give examples of transfers?

A

water carried to the ocean
heat/light radiation towards Earth

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14
Q

how would you get full marks in a system flow diagram?

A

1) appropriate drawing (boxes and arrows)
2) arrows in right direction
3) labling with values
4) arrow width proportional to value

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15
Q

what is a model ?

A

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

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16
Q

can you give examples of models?

A

This could be a physical model (a globe, model solar system, a wind tunnel), a software model, mathematical equation..