Table of Contents
What Types of Feedback Mechanisms Distinguish Open Systems From Closed Systems?
Learn the fundamental differences between open and closed systems in engineering, focusing on environmental interaction and feedback mechanisms. Understand why open systems adapt through feedback while closed systems remain isolated.
Question
Differentiate between open and closed systems, and describe the types of feedback mechanisms involved.
A. Closed systems are always influenced by external environmental factors.
B. Open systems interact with their environment, while closed systems are self-contained.
C. Closed systems are dependent on external feedback, unlike open systems.
D. Open systems do not have any feedback mechanisms.
Answer
B. Open systems interact with their environment, while closed systems are self-contained.
Explanation
Open systems exchange information and resources with their surroundings, unlike closed systems.
This option correctly captures the fundamental distinction between these two system types, which is critical in systems engineering for understanding system behavior, design requirements, and control strategies.
Open Systems
Open systems exchange energy, matter, or information with their external environment. They are characterized by permeable boundaries that allow inputs and outputs. These systems use feedback mechanisms to monitor their state and the state of their environment, then adjust their internal processes accordingly. Feedback in open systems can be:
- Negative feedback: Acts to stabilize the system by counteracting deviations from a desired state (e.g., a thermostat maintaining room temperature).
- Positive feedback: Amplifies changes, moving the system away from its current state (e.g., population growth or compound interest).
Examples of open systems include biological organisms, ecosystems, manufacturing systems, and most engineered systems like aircraft, communication networks, and climate control systems.
Closed Systems
Closed systems are isolated from their environment; no energy, matter, or information crosses the boundary. Their behavior is determined entirely by internal states and processes, with no external influence. True closed systems rarely exist in engineering practice—they are primarily theoretical constructs used for analysis. A closed system might use internal feedback loops based on predetermined criteria, but these do not involve environmental sensing.
Analysis of Incorrect Options
A. Closed systems are always influenced by external environmental factors: This is the opposite of correct. By definition, closed systems are isolated and not influenced by external factors.
C. Closed systems are dependent on external feedback, unlike open systems: This reverses the correct relationship. Open systems depend on external feedback to adapt; closed systems do not interact with their environment.
D. Open systems do not have any feedback mechanisms: This is incorrect. Open systems rely heavily on feedback mechanisms to maintain stability and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
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