A Feature of Interest in Dynamical Systems Theory is Hysteresis

Question

A feature of interest in dynamical systems theory is hysteresis. Hysteresis is
A) The tendency of some people to get hysterical
B) The tendency of movements to resemble scratching movements exhibited by people with allergies
C) The tendency of a system to switch from one state to another at a different point if the state switches from off to on or from on to off
D) Coupling of the finger motions of the two hands

Accepted Answer

Hysteresis refers to the phenomenon where the system's behavior depends on its past history rather than just its current state. In the context of dynamical systems theory, hysteresis refers to the system switching from one state to another at a different point depending on whether the system switched from off to on or from on to off. This creates a loop-like behavior in the system's trajectory, which can have applications in engineering, physics, and biology. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not relate to hysteresis.