What differentiates an open loop system from a closed loop system?

An open loop system is characterized by operating without feedback, meaning that the output of the system does not influence or alter the input. This type of system does not measure its output nor make adjustments based on its performance or environmental changes. Conversely, a closed loop system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continually monitor its output and adjust inputs accordingly to maintain desired performance levels. This feedback allows the system to respond dynamically to changes, improving accuracy and control.

By utilizing feedback, closed loop systems can correct deviations from a desired output, enhancing efficiency and reliability. For instance, in a temperature control system, a thermostat (closed loop) evaluates the current temperature and adjusts heating or cooling to meet the set temperature, while a standard heater (open loop) operates without such adjustments and may not achieve the desired temperature consistently.

The other options do not accurately describe the fundamental differences between these two systems, as they either misstate how feedback works or provide subjective evaluations of performance without considering the context in which each type of system is used.