Systems and Models Flashcards
What is a system?
A set of interrelated parts working together to make a complex whole.
What is a system comprised of?
Storages and flows
What is a storage?
A place where energy is stored, when it is not flowing.
What is a flow?
They are processes and may either be transfers or transformations
What is a transfer?
A change in location.
What is a transformation?
A change in the chemical nature, state or change in energy
What are the three types of systems?
Isolated, open, closed
What is a model?
A simplified version of reality which can be used to understand how a system works and predict how it will respond to change.
What are the cons of a model?
- Accuracy is lost because model is simplified
- Only as good as data
- Predictions may be inaccurate
- Can be manipulated for political reasons
What is an open system?
exchanges matter and energy with its surroundings.
What is a closed system?
One that exchanges energy but not matter with its environment.
What is an isolated system?
One that exchanges neither matter nor energy with its surroundings.
What is an example of an open system?
The Chihuahuan desert (all ecosytems are open systems)
What is an example of a closed system?
A greenhouse
What is an example of an isolated system?
The universe.
