séquilibre

Équilibre refers to the state of being balanced. This can be applied in various contexts, including physics, biology, and even abstract concepts like economics. In physics, equilibrium describes a condition where opposing forces or influences are balanced, resulting in no net change in a system. For instance, an object at rest on a table is in equilibrium because the downward force of gravity is counteracted by the upward normal force from the table.

In biological systems, equilibrium, often termed homeostasis, is the tendency of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment. This involves regulating temperature, pH, blood sugar levels, and other vital parameters despite external fluctuations. For example, the human body sweats to cool down when its temperature rises, a mechanism to restore thermal equilibrium.

The concept of equilibrium also extends to dynamic situations. A chemical reaction is at equilibrium when the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction, leading to constant concentrations of reactants and products over time. Similarly, in economics, market equilibrium occurs when the quantity of a good supplied equals the quantity demanded at a particular price. This balance point is crucial for understanding how markets function and adjust. The term équilibre encapsulates the fundamental principle of stability achieved through the cancellation of opposing forces or processes.