Boxes and arrows: A system diagram shows a system at a glance: storages are boxes, flows are arrows.
The rules
- Draw each storage as a box; write what it holds inside.
- Draw each flow as an arrow, pointing the way the matter or energy moves.
- Label every arrow with the process or with what moves.
- Inputs cross the boundary into the system; outputs leave it.
Which way does it point?: The arrow shows the direction of the flow: dead leaves go from the plants to the decomposers.
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Some diagrams are drawn to scale: a bigger box stores more, and a thicker arrow moves more.
Only when it says so: Most diagrams are not to scale. Read sizes only when the figure says they are.
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How this comes up: "Construct a system diagram for X, including two storages and two flows." You draw it.
IB-style questionConstruct[3 marks]
Construct a system diagram for a garden compost heap, including two storages and two flows.
Model answer plan
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