2.2 Systems and Models

An isolated system exchange matter or energy with its surroundings. True or false.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

An isolated system does not exchange matter or energy with its surroundings. Therefore, the statement is false.

A set of interrelated parts working together to make a complex whole is called ____.

• the surroundings

• the system

• inputs

• outputs

Answer explanation

A system is defined as a set of interrelated parts that work together to form a complex whole. This makes 'the system' the correct answer, as it encapsulates the idea of interconnected components functioning collectively.

Which of the following are characteristics of a good model?

• The model explains how a complex phenomena arises from simpler phenomena.

• The model can compare poorly understood aspects of the real world to a well-understood aspect.

• The model is testable and generates predictions that reflect what is happening in reality.

• All the responses are correct.

• None of the responses are correct.

Answer explanation

A good model should explain complex phenomena, compare known and unknown aspects, and be testable with predictive power. Therefore, all the responses are correct.

Everything external of the system that could reasonably interact with the it is called ____.

• the surroundings

• processes

• inputs

• outputs

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'the surroundings' because it refers to everything external to the system that can interact with it. Processes, inputs, and outputs are internal components, while surroundings encompass external factors.

___ exchange matter and energy with their surroundings.

• Open systems

• Closed systems

• Isolated systems

Answer explanation

Open systems exchange both matter and energy with their surroundings, unlike closed systems, which only exchange energy, and isolated systems, which do not exchange either. Therefore, the correct answer is open systems.

___ only exchange energy with their surroundings.

• Open systems

• Closed systems

• Isolated systems

Answer explanation

Closed systems only exchange energy with their surroundings, while open systems exchange both energy and matter, and isolated systems do not exchange either. Therefore, the correct answer is closed systems.

A _____ is a pattern, plan, representation, or description designed to show the structure or workings of an object, system, or concept.

• input

• output

• model

• feedback

Answer explanation

A model is a representation that illustrates the structure or workings of an object, system, or concept. It helps in understanding and analyzing complex ideas, making 'model' the correct choice in this context.

What can be used to predict how global surface temperature will change during the 21st Century. 

• Systems

• Model

• Both 

Answer explanation

A model is a systematic representation that can simulate and predict changes in global surface temperature based on various factors. While systems are involved, the specific tool for prediction is the model.

Is the human body an open, closed, or isolated system?

• Open

• Closed

• Isolated

Answer explanation

The human body is an open system because it exchanges matter and energy with its environment, such as through respiration, digestion, and waste elimination. This distinguishes it from closed or isolated systems.

Which of these is a smaller or larger copy of an object; a physical model built to scale to show proportional relationships?

• Physical Model

• Conceptual Model

• Mathematical Model

• Simulation

Answer explanation

A physical model is a smaller or larger representation of an object, built to scale to demonstrate proportional relationships. This distinguishes it from conceptual, mathematical models, or simulations, which do not focus on physical representation.