Equilibrium is a foundational concept across physics, chemistry, biology, economics, and anthropology, referring to a state of balance or stability where opposing forces or influences are equal.
🌍 General Definition
- Equilibrium: A condition in which all acting influences are balanced, resulting in no net change.
- Derived from Latin aequus (“equal”) + libra (“balance”).
🔑 Types of Equilibrium
1. Physics & Mechanics
- Static Equilibrium: An object at rest with balanced forces (e.g., a book on a table).
- Dynamic Equilibrium: Continuous motion but forces remain balanced (e.g., a satellite orbiting Earth).
- Stable vs. Unstable:
- Stable equilibrium returns to balance after disturbance.
- Unstable equilibrium shifts further away when disturbed.
2. Chemistry
- Chemical Equilibrium: Forward and reverse reactions occur at equal rates, concentrations remain constant.
- Example: In a closed container, water evaporates and condenses at equal rates.
3. Biology & Medicine
- Homeostasis: Biological equilibrium maintaining internal stability (temperature, pH, glucose).
- Population Equilibrium: Balance between birth and death rates in ecology.
4. Economics & Social Sciences
- Market Equilibrium: Supply equals demand, stabilizing prices.
- Social Equilibrium: Balance of norms, institutions, and roles in a society.
- Anthropology: Kinship systems and exchange networks often analyzed in terms of equilibrium between groups.
📚 Examples
- Physics: A seesaw balanced at its center.
- Chemistry: Haber process for ammonia reaches equilibrium between reactants and products.
- Biology: Human body maintains ~37°C despite external temperature changes.
- Economics: Housing market stabilizes when supply meets demand.
- Anthropology: Ritual exchanges (like potlatch) maintain equilibrium in social prestige.
✨ Summary
Equilibrium is the state of balance where opposing forces or processes are equal, preventing net change. It is a universal principle linking natural sciences, economics, and anthropology.
