FEEDBACK CONTROL OF DYNAMIC SYSTEMS
CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 10 EXAM PREP
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FULLY VERIFIED
◉ What systems principle demonstrates stocks accumulating over
time?
Answer: Net flows.
◉ What type of feedback loop causes exponential growth?
Answer: A reinforcing feedback loop.
◉ What type of loop stabilizes a system around a target?
Answer: A balancing feedback loop.
◉ What system behavior often results from long delays in balancing
loops?
Answer: Oscillation.
◉ Why are delays dangerous in systems?
Answer: They cause corrective actions to arrive too late.
◉ What kind of loop does a thermostat maintain room temperature?
, Answer: A balancing feedback loop.
◉ What creates balancing action in a thermostat system?
Answer: The discrepancy between desired and actual temperature.
◉ What happens if a thermostat response is too delayed or too
strong?
Answer: The room temperature oscillates.
◉ What type of feedback does a bank account earning compound
interest demonstrate?
Answer: Reinforcing feedback.
◉ Why does compound interest accelerate over time?
Answer: Interest is earned on previously accumulated interest.
◉ What system behavior occurs when a fish population collapses
after rapid harvesting?
Answer: Overshoot and collapse.
◉ Why does overshoot occur in systems?
Answer: Growth continues after the system has exceeded carrying
capacity.
CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 10 EXAM PREP
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FULLY VERIFIED
◉ What systems principle demonstrates stocks accumulating over
time?
Answer: Net flows.
◉ What type of feedback loop causes exponential growth?
Answer: A reinforcing feedback loop.
◉ What type of loop stabilizes a system around a target?
Answer: A balancing feedback loop.
◉ What system behavior often results from long delays in balancing
loops?
Answer: Oscillation.
◉ Why are delays dangerous in systems?
Answer: They cause corrective actions to arrive too late.
◉ What kind of loop does a thermostat maintain room temperature?
, Answer: A balancing feedback loop.
◉ What creates balancing action in a thermostat system?
Answer: The discrepancy between desired and actual temperature.
◉ What happens if a thermostat response is too delayed or too
strong?
Answer: The room temperature oscillates.
◉ What type of feedback does a bank account earning compound
interest demonstrate?
Answer: Reinforcing feedback.
◉ Why does compound interest accelerate over time?
Answer: Interest is earned on previously accumulated interest.
◉ What system behavior occurs when a fish population collapses
after rapid harvesting?
Answer: Overshoot and collapse.
◉ Why does overshoot occur in systems?
Answer: Growth continues after the system has exceeded carrying
capacity.
