Steady state

Steady state refers to a condition in which a system or process remains unchanged over time, or where the variables (physical, process or otherwise) that define the behavior of the system or process remain constant in time. In the context of physics, chemistry, biology, economics, and engineering, the concept of steady state has different meanings.

Physics

In physics, a steady state is a stable condition that does not change over time or in which change in one direction is continually balanced by change in another. This is used in fields such as thermodynamics where systems reach a steady state after a certain time.

Chemistry

In chemistry, a steady state is a situation in which all state variables are constant in spite of ongoing processes that strive to change them. For an entire system to be at steady state, i.e. all state variables of the system are constant, all sub-systems must be at steady state.

Biology

In biology, a steady state means that the system is in homeostasis. In the human body, the blood and various tissues are in a steady state, with blood and tissue fluid continually exchanged.

Economics

In economics, a steady state economy is an economy of relatively stable size. It features stable population and stable consumption that remain at or below carrying capacity. The term typically refers to a national economy, but it can also be applied to the economic system of a city, a region, or the entire planet.

Engineering

In engineering, a steady state is a condition of a system where the system's behavior may vary within a certain range but its variables do not change with time.

See also

• Dynamic equilibrium
• Homeostasis
• Steady state theory
• Steady state economy

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