Systems key terms Flashcards
System
A set of interrelated components working together towards some kind of process
Input
The addition of matter and/or energy into a system
Flow/transfer/flux
A form of linkage between one store/component and another that involves movement of energy or mass
Store/component
A part of a system where energy/mass is stored or transformed
Output
The result of the processes within a system
Isolated systems
Systems that have no interactions with anything outside the system boundary and has no input or output of energy/matter
Closed systems
Systems that have transfers of energy both into and beyond the system boundary, but no transfer of matter
Open systems
Systems where both energy and matter can be transfered from the system across the boundary into the surrounding environment
Cascading system
A chain of multiple open systems
Positive feedback
Where the effects of an action are amplified or multiplied by subsequent knock-on or secondary effects
Negative feedback
The effects of an action are nullified by its subsequent knock-on effects
Dynamic equilibrium
When there is a balance between a system’s inputs and outputs
