Systems Flashcards
Flow/Transfer
A form of linkage between one store/component and another that involves movement of energy or mass.
Input
The addition of matter and/or energy into a system.
Store/Component
A part of the system where energy/mass is stored or transformed.
System
A set of interrelated components working together towards some kind of process.
What does the system’s structure lie within?
A boundary
What is an isolated system?
These have no interactions with anything outside the system boundary. There is no input or output of energy or matter. Many controlled laboratory experiments are this type of system and they are rare in nature.
What is a closed system?
These have transfers of energy both into and beyond the system boundary but not transfer of matter.
What is an open system?
These are where matter and energy can be transferred from the system across the boundary into the surrounding environment. Most ecosystems are examples of open systems.
Positive Feedback Meaning
Where the effects of an action are amplified or multiplied by subsequent knock-on or secondary effects.
Negative Feedback Meaning
Where the effects of an action are nullified by its subsequent knock-on effects.
Attributes
Characteristics of the elements that may be perceived and measured.
Relationships
Associations that occur between elements and attributes.
Elements
When there are no inputs or outputs.
