ESS Topic 1

Question	Answer
System	An assemblage of parts and relationships between them, create an entity. Component are connected through transfer of energy and matter.
Systems consist of...	Storages Flow Processes Feedback Mechanisms
Storages	matter or energy
Flow	input/output of matter or energy
Processes	transfer or transform the matter or energy
Feedback Mechanisms	maintain stability in system
Gaia Hypothesis	Earth = planet sized organism and the atmosphere = organ that regulates it + connects all its parts
Open System	Exchanges matter and energy with its surroundings (ecosystems)
Closed System	exchanges energy but not matter (closest thing to model this = nitrogen/water cycles)
Isolated systems	exchanges neither matter or energy (none exist)
1st Law of Thermodynamics	Energy cannot be created or destroyed
2nd law of Thermodynamics	Energy and materials go from concentrated to dispersed form
Entropy	disorder
Static equilibrium	No change (no inputs/outputs of energy or matter) i.e Chair
Steady State Equilibrium	Systems can return to normal following a disturbance (Homeostasis)
Stable Equilibrium	disturbance happens and the system can return to normal or almost normal
Unstable Equilibrium	Disturbance leads to system making a new equilibrium after passing tipping point
Positive Feedback	amplifies change in a system away from equilibrium
Negative Feedback	self-regulating method to return to equilibrium
Transfers	energy/matter changing location in system
Transformation	Energy or Matter changes state

Resource summary

	Created by kaydalevon about 11 years ago