Bifurkáció

Bifurkáció refers to a branching point in a system where a small change can lead to significantly different outcomes. In mathematics and physics, it is a concept that describes how a system can transition from one stable state to another as a parameter is varied. This often occurs when a singular stable point or equilibrium splits into two or more.

The study of bifurcations is central to chaos theory and nonlinear dynamics. It helps in understanding complex phenomena such as the onset of turbulence in fluids, population dynamics, and the behavior of electrical circuits. A common example is the pitchfork bifurcation, where a single equilibrium splits into three: one unstable and two stable.

In a more general sense, bifurcation can describe any situation where a decision or event leads to two or more distinct paths. This can be applied to various fields, including economics, biology, and even social sciences, to analyze critical junctures and their potential consequences. The key characteristic of a bifurcation is the sensitivity to initial conditions or parameter changes, leading to a qualitative change in the system's behavior.