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Chapter 1 - Introducing Systems - Study Guide

This study guide introduces key concepts related to systems, including definitions of physical and social systems, inputs, outputs, and side effects. It includes examples of different types of systems and their components, as well as questions that encourage understanding of how systems function and interact. The guide emphasizes the importance of systems thinking in recognizing the impacts of systems on society and the environment.

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12 views2 pages

Chapter 1 - Introducing Systems - Study Guide

This study guide introduces key concepts related to systems, including definitions of physical and social systems, inputs, outputs, and side effects. It includes examples of different types of systems and their components, as well as questions that encourage understanding of how systems function and interact. The guide emphasizes the importance of systems thinking in recognizing the impacts of systems on society and the environment.

Uploaded by

erika.robin7
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Chapter 1 - Introducing Systems: Study Guide

Definitions:

System- a group of parts that work together to perform a desired task.

Physical System- a group of physical parts that work together to perform.

Function- a relation from a set of inputs to a set of possible outputs where


each input is related to exactly one output.

Social System- a group of people, or other organisms, joining together to


perform tasks and establish relationships.

Force- any push or pull.

Input- the force, energy, or raw materials that you put into a system

Output- the task or service that a system performs.

Side effect- the unintended or undesired outputs of a system.

Systems thinking- taking into consideration the inputs, outputs, and side
effects of systems.

Questions:

1.​ When using a can opener, what input force is involved? What is the
output force?
The input force is the force your hand puts on the handles or twisting
the knob. The output force is the pressure and cutting force of the blade
on the can’s lid.
2.​ Different types of physical systems are named for the type of energy
they use. Give an example of each type of system and state the type of
energy they use.
a)mechanical system- a stapler
b)optical system- human eyes
c)electrical system- radio
3.​ Identify two components of the following systems:
a)circulatory system
b)a can opener
A- The circulatory system includes such components as the heart and
blood vessels.
B- A can opener includes such components as a handle and a crank.
4.​ What are the similarities and differences of physical systems and social
systems?
Similarities- they are both systems in that different parts work together
to perform a desired task and they both have natural and human made
systems .
Differences- Physical systems deal with physical parts and social
systems deal with people and/or other living things.
5.​ Explain how a garden is a system
A garden is a system because it is made of parts that function together
to produce flowers or to produce food.
6.​ What is the difference between input and output?
Input- all the things that go into a system to make it work
Output- all the tasks or services that the system performs.
7.​ What are side effects of a system and give an example.
Side effects of a system are the unintended or undesired outputs of a
system. For example, the side effects of a car is pollution, traffic
congestion, and noise pollution.
8.​ What is the relationship between side effects and system thinking?
System thinking involves thinking about how the parts of a system
work together and also about trying to understand how systems affect
people, other organisms and the environment. System thinking can
help reduce the negative impacts of a system and effects it has on
society and the environment.

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