equilibrium

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ɛkwɪˈlɪbrɪəm/ or /iːkwɪˈlɪbrɪəm/

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Noun

Singular equilibrium

Plural equilibriums or equilibria

1. When something is at equilibrium, it is balanced and different types of influences are the same, hence having no net change.
   • Synonyms: balance and stability
   • Antonyms: disequilibrium, instability and imbalance

   The population of the ants in this area has reached an equilibrium.

2. (physics) When an object is at equilibrium, it is at rest or continuous motion and all the forces acting on it cancels out to become zero.
   • Antonym: disequilibrium
3. (chemistry) When a system is in equilibrium, the rates of the forward and backward reactions are the same, hence causing no change in the concentration of the reactants and products.

   When a weak acid is added into water, an equilibrium mixture is obtained.