equilibrium

Everyday

1. Equilibrium is a state of balance in which opposite forces or amounts are equal, so nothing changes: "the scales are in equilibrium". tree →
2. Equilibrium is a calm, steady state of mind: "she lost her equilibrium". tree →
3. (science) In chemistry and nature, equilibrium is when changes in two directions happen at the same rate. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on forces, an object is in equilibrium when the pushes and pulls on it cancel out, so it stays still or keeps moving steadily. In maths, a balanced equation is like scales in equilibrium: what you do to one side, you do to the other. Phrases: in equilibrium, reach equilibrium, lose your equilibrium.

Examples

• The see-saw is in equilibrium when both children weigh the same. tree →
• The forces on the book on the table are in equilibrium. tree →
• Add 3 to both sides to keep the equation in equilibrium. tree →
• After the shock, it took him a while to regain his equilibrium. tree →
• A tightrope walker must keep her equilibrium. tree →
• The water in the two tanks reached equilibrium. tree →

Note

Formal and scientific; everyday word: balance. Pronounced "ee-kwi-LIB-ree-um". In forces, equilibrium does not always mean still: it can mean moving at a steady speed in a straight line.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: In Sefer Yetzirah, groups of things are set as two against each other with a third that balances them, and this balance is read as a main principle of creation. In the primary lessons: In science lessons on forces, an object is in equilibrium when the pushes and pulls on it cancel out, so it stays still or keeps moving steadily. In maths, a balanced equation is like scales in equilibrium: what you do to one side, you do to the other. Phrases: in equilibrium, reach equilibrium, lose your equilibrium.

Examples

• The importance of equilibrium is constantly reiterated in the Kabalah. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• There are seven of which three are against three, and one places them in equilibrium. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• In one scale is the merit and in the other criminaHty, which are placed in equilibrium by the tongue. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →

Note

Formal and scientific; everyday word: balance. Pronounced "ee-kwi-LIB-ree-um". In forces, equilibrium does not always mean still: it can mean moving at a steady speed in a straight line.