Types of systems
What is an example of a physical system that is different in the modern day
compared to what it was 200 years ago?
Over the last 200 years, people have moved from handcrafting individual
products to mass-industrialization, where individual products are produced in bulk.
What are inputs?
Inputs are the things that go into the system, like forces, energy, or raw materials.
What is an industry?
An industry is a combination of systems that work together to produce goods and services.
What is efficiency?
Efficiency is the ability to do something without wasting energy, effort, or raw materials.
What is Automation?
Automation is the use of automatic equipment in a system, like manufacturing or production.
How have mechanical systems increased productivity in various industries and workplaces?
Mechanical systems have increased productivity by reducing the likelihood of human error. Mechanical systems can use simple machines to reduce the amount of work needed and minimize the number of injuries caused by repetitive use.
What are outputs?
Outputs are the things or the services that the system produces. The actions taken by the system that allow it to convert the input into an output are called the process.
What are some examples of industries found in society?
The transportation industry, the agricultural industry, the healthcare industry, and the education industry.
In what ways can you incorporate efficiency in your daily life?
Avoid multitasking when completing homework, avoid snoozing the alarm in the morning, meal prep and cook food in bulk, limit social media use, and time spent on video games.
What are some examples of automation in different systems?
Self-driving cars, Self-checkout, Automatic doors, vacuum cleaners, and motion sensor sinks.
How are physical systems different from social systems?
A social system is a group of organisms who join together to accomplish certain tasks. Social systems are natural, and not made by humans. A physical system is a group of physical parts that work together to perform a specific task.
How is feedback used in a system?
Feedback uses information related to the outputs to determine the necessary variation to the input for the next cycle or loop.
What's an example of a physical system related to construction?
Some physical systems related to construction cranes, trucks, drills, saws, cranes, trucks, drills, machinery.
What is efficiency? How is efficiency related to systems?
Efficiency is the ability to do something without wasting energy, effort, or raw materials. Energy is always lost from systems, but some systems lose more energy than others.
What systems do you think could never become fully automated?
Machinery will never be able to replace the human body. Any job that requires a human brain, empathy, or emotional connection to others should not be automated, such as therapists, physiotherapists, doctors, and many more.
What are some natural physical systems that can be formed in nature?
Water in a lake and Planets orbiting the sun.
What are some examples of agricultural and food processing industries for inputs and outputs?
Inputs are rain to water plants, sunshine, digging holes to plant seeds, adding compost, and bees pollinating.
Outputs are plant growth, fruits/vegetables to eat, personal enjoyment for the gardener, and clean air.
What's an example of a social system related to construction?
Some social systems related to construction are the construction crew are a team of employees that work together to accomplish tasks.
Is efficiency always important for a system? In what situation might it be better not to strive for efficiency?
Efficiency is not always important for a system. For example, there may be a very efficient route for someone to take to drive to work and get there quickly, however, they may prefer to take a longer route because it is more scenic and good for their mental health.
What are some benefits and drawbacks of self-driving cars?
Benefits are improved safety, reduced traffic, less commuter fatigue, improved quality of life, and drawbacks are a reliance on technology, the possibility of hacking, and the possible danger of system malfunction.
What are some natural social systems that can be formed in nature?
A school of fish and a flock of birds.
How is feedback used in an agricultural system?
Farmers figure out what is selling well in one season and can plant more in the next season. They also do quality control over their crops to determine if they need to make modifications to the fertilizers or pesticides, try new crops, etc.
What technological innovation involving mechanical systems have increased productivity in the communications industry?
The Cell phone, Laptop, and Social media.
What could be the result of manufacturers that do not promote efficient use or provide guidance on how to use their products?
In the worst-case scenario, customers can get seriously injured or killed. Manufacturers could get sued and face other legal issues.
Is automation beneficial for tackling social issues on a local and global scale?
Automation may help increase accessibility for those with mobility challenges. It can increase the standard of living and lead to a more efficient use of materials.