Ekvilibrium

Ekvilibrium is a state in which competing forces or processes balance, producing no net change in the overall condition of a system. The concept is used in physics, chemistry, biology, economics, and ecology to describe a steady state or balance between opposing influences. In everyday language, it implies a stable arrangement despite ongoing activity inside the system.

Static equilibrium occurs when a system is at rest and the vector sum of all forces and torques is zero, such as a book resting on a table. Dynamic equilibrium refers to situations where processes continue but their effects cancel, so properties remain constant; chemical equilibria, where forward and reverse reaction rates are equal, are a primary example. Related ideas include thermal equilibrium, where temperatures are uniform, and hydrostatic or mechanical equilibrium in fluids and structures.

Chemistry: the equilibrium constant K expresses the ratio of product and reactant concentrations at a given temperature.

Economics: market equilibrium occurs when supply equals demand, establishing a market-clearing price and quantity. In biology and ecology, equilibrium often means homeostasis or a balanced ecosystem state; many biological systems are dynamically maintained rather than statically balanced.

Stability influences behavior: a stable equilibrium returns to balance after a disturbance; an unstable one diverges, and a neutral one persists without restoring or breaking balance. Time scales matter: some equilibria are reached quickly, others only over long periods.

Origin of the term traces to Latin aequilibrium, with ekvilibrium being a common transliteration in several languages for the same concept.