The Basics of Systems Flashcards
Unit 1 - Introducing systems
What is a System? GIVE EXAMPLE
System - A group of parts that work together to perform a task or service
Ex. - A Blender, it blends stuff for me
What is a Social system? What is a Physical system? GIVE EXAMPLE
Social system - A group of organisms (typically people) joining together to perform a task or service
Ex. - A pack of wolves hunting, or a government governing
Physical system - A group of physical parts working together to perform a function
Ex. - A computer computing
What is Work? GIVE EXAMPLE
Work - The result when a force moves an object a certain distance
EX. - When you push a rock across the yard
What is the formula for calculating Work?
W = F x d Work = Force applied (Newtons) x Distance moved (metres)
What is Consumerism? Why is it good and bad?
Consumerism - The link between happiness and buying the hottest new thing, like a new phone or futuristic microwave
Pros - it makes the business money to produce more stuff, and the government money from taxes
Cons - useful stuff is being put to waste because we now have the new stuff, and landfills get more and more crowded
What is Input force? What is Output force? What is Load force?
Input force - The force, energy, or materials that you put into a system
Output force - The task or service that the system performs
Load force - The force that the input force has to overcome in order to
What is Systems Thinking?
Systems thinking is when you take into consideration the inputs, outputs, and side effects of a system
What is a Side Effect?
The unintended or undesired outputs of a system
What is a Newton?
Newton - The unit used to measure force
