1.2 systems and models Flashcards
1
Q
system
A
a set of components that function together and form an interconnected, complex whole
2
Q
open system + examples
A
- exchange energy and matter with their surroundings
- every natural system is an open system
- e.g. cells, forest ecosystems
3
Q
closed system + example
A
- exchange energy but not matter with their surroundings
- e.g. global systems (carbon cycles), mesocosms, biosphere 2
4
Q
isolated system + example
A
- exchange neither energy nor matter with their surroundings
- in reality, it doesn’t exist, but the universe could be one
5
Q
modeling systems + example
A
- simplified versions of reality
- enables us to better understand and predict the behavior of systems
- e.g. weather models consist of computer-based algorithms (processes) that convert inputs (data measured by weather stations) into outputs (predictions of future weather)
6
Q
issues with models
A
- can never have enough data
- understanding of processes will be incomplete because reality is complicated
- all models are simplifications
- outputs of model depends on quality of data
7
Q
Gaia hypothesis
A
- James Lovelock, 1972
- model of the biosphere that proposes that life on earth is a self-regulating system –> controls global parameters (temp, concentrations of gases, salinity of seawater)
- equates earth to a single living organism
8
Q
transfers
A
Movement without a change in form, state, or chemical composition
- water flowing down a river (matter)
- ocean current transferring heat (energy)
9
Q
transformations
A
Movement that involves a change in form, state, or chemical composition
- combustion of fossil fuels (chemical energy → heat energy)
- photosynthesis (light energy → chemical energy)
- glucose → starch (change in chemical form)
10
Q
2 transfers in the carbon cycle
A
- light energy coming in
- heat energy coming out
11
Q
2 transformations in the carbon cycle
A
- combustion
- respiration
