Systems and models

?
  • Created by: AVVW
  • Created on: 09-11-17 18:06
System
Assemblage of parts and their relationships forming a functioning whole.
1 of 8
Open system
Exchanges energy and matter. Most systems are open. All ecosystems are open.
2 of 8
Closed system
Exchanges neither energy nor matter. Rare in nature and most examples are artificial, constructed for experimental purposes.
3 of 8
Isolated system
Exchanges energy but not matter. Does not exist naturally - is hypothetical - though it is possible to think of the entire universe as an isolated system.
4 of 8
Systems diagrams
Represents storages (rectangular boxes) and flows (arrows with the arrow indicating direction of flow).
5 of 8
Transfers
A change in location.
6 of 8
Transformations
A change in the chemical nature, a change in state or a change in energy.
7 of 8
Model
Simplified version of reality and can be used to understand how a system works and predict how it will respond to change. Inevitably involves some approximation and loss of accuracy.
8 of 8

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Exchanges energy and matter. Most systems are open. All ecosystems are open.

Back

Open system

Card 3

Front

Exchanges neither energy nor matter. Rare in nature and most examples are artificial, constructed for experimental purposes.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Exchanges energy but not matter. Does not exist naturally - is hypothetical - though it is possible to think of the entire universe as an isolated system.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Represents storages (rectangular boxes) and flows (arrows with the arrow indicating direction of flow).

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Environmental Science/Studies resources:

See all Environmental Science/Studies resources »See all Chapter 1 - Foundations of environmental systems and societies resources »