Difference between revisions of "Steady state"
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| − | ''' | + | The term "'''steady state'''" describes a system in which no variables have a time dependance. 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. |
| − | An example of steady state is a situation in which members of a [[population]] die as quickly as new members are born.<ref>Wile, | + | An example of steady state is a situation in which members of a [[population]] die as quickly as new members are born.<ref>Wile, Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Biology''. Apologia |
Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998</ref> The birth rate, death rate, and population are always the same, so the system is at steady state. | Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998</ref> The birth rate, death rate, and population are always the same, so the system is at steady state. | ||
Revision as of 01:46, February 14, 2008
The term "steady state" describes a system in which no variables have a time dependance. This means that all derivatives 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.
An example of steady state is a situation in which members of a population die as quickly as new members are born.[1] The birth rate, death rate, and population are always the same, so the system is at steady state.
References
- ↑ Wile, Jay L. Exploring Creation With Biology. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998