The term "'''steady state'''" describes a system in which no variables have a time dependence. This means that all [[derivative]]s with respect to time equal zero and no variables are functions of time. Note that steady state does not necessarily imply [[equilibrium]]. A good "test" for determining if a system is at steady state is to physically or mentally turn your back to the system. When you turn around, if all variables are the same as when you left, the system is at steady state. | The term "'''steady state'''" describes a system in which no variables have a time dependence. This means that all [[derivative]]s with respect to time equal zero and no variables are functions of time. Note that steady state does not necessarily imply [[equilibrium]]. A good "test" for determining if a system is at steady state is to physically or mentally turn your back to the system. When you turn around, if all variables are the same as when you left, the system is at steady state. |