What does 'atomic' refer to in system element representation?

In the context of system element representation, 'atomic' refers to a fundamental building block of a system that does not require further decomposition for the purposes of analysis or requirements definition. This means that the element can be effectively represented in a black box manner, where its internal workings are not necessary for understanding its role within the larger system context.

When a system element is treated as atomic, it implies that the focus is primarily on its inputs and outputs rather than on the internal mechanisms that produce these outputs. This approach simplifies modeling and allows engineers to concentrate on how the atomic element interacts with other elements without delving into its internal structure. This is particularly useful in early phases of system development, where high-level interactions and requirements shape system design.

The other options pertain to different aspects of systems engineering. For instance, an element requiring thorough detailed analysis suggests a more complex or deconstructed view, which does not align with the concept of atomicity. Similarly, the notion of an element influencing multiple systems or requiring continuous monitoring speaks to different characteristics that do not specifically tie back to what it means for an element to be considered atomic in its representation.