1 Answer
A **steady state** or **state of equilibrium** refers to a condition in which a system remains stable over time because its internal processes or forces are balanced. In this state, the key properties or variables of the system do not change, or change very slowly, because opposing forces or processes are in perfect balance.
There are different types of equilibrium or steady states depending on the context:
1. **Physical Equilibrium**: In this context, physical processes or forces are balanced. For example, in a **mechanical system**, equilibrium occurs when the sum of forces acting on an object is zero (e.g., an object at rest or moving at constant velocity).
2. **Chemical Equilibrium**: In chemistry, a system reaches equilibrium when the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction. The concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time, even though the reactions continue at the molecular level.
3. **Thermodynamic Equilibrium**: In thermodynamics, a system is in equilibrium when it is not experiencing any net macroscopic changes. This can mean thermal equilibrium (no temperature difference), mechanical equilibrium (no force differences), and chemical equilibrium (no changes in the composition of substances).
4. **Economic or Ecological Equilibrium**: In economics or ecology, equilibrium refers to a state where supply and demand (or population and resources) are balanced, and there is no tendency for change unless disturbed by an external force.
In general, **steady state** refers to a stable situation, while **equilibrium** suggests a balance of forces or processes that leads to no net change.
There are different types of equilibrium or steady states depending on the context:
1. **Physical Equilibrium**: In this context, physical processes or forces are balanced. For example, in a **mechanical system**, equilibrium occurs when the sum of forces acting on an object is zero (e.g., an object at rest or moving at constant velocity).
2. **Chemical Equilibrium**: In chemistry, a system reaches equilibrium when the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction. The concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time, even though the reactions continue at the molecular level.
3. **Thermodynamic Equilibrium**: In thermodynamics, a system is in equilibrium when it is not experiencing any net macroscopic changes. This can mean thermal equilibrium (no temperature difference), mechanical equilibrium (no force differences), and chemical equilibrium (no changes in the composition of substances).
4. **Economic or Ecological Equilibrium**: In economics or ecology, equilibrium refers to a state where supply and demand (or population and resources) are balanced, and there is no tendency for change unless disturbed by an external force.
In general, **steady state** refers to a stable situation, while **equilibrium** suggests a balance of forces or processes that leads to no net change.