Behavior: System Dynamics

Abstract

Systems are never still. Even a rock weathers and often changes chemically over long enough time scales. Systems are dynamic, which means they have behavior. In this chapter we explore the dynamic properties of systems from a number of perspectives. Systems as a whole behave in their environments. But systems contain active components that also behave internally relative to one another. We look at a myriad of characteristics of system dynamics to understand this important principle. A key concept that pertains to system dynamics is that of energy flow and work. Every physical change involves the accomplishment of work, which requires the use of energy. The laws of thermodynamics come into play in a central way in systems science.