detailed balance principle

The detailed balance principle is a concept used in various fields, such as physics and chemistry, to describe a state of equilibrium. It states that, for a system in balance, the rate of transitions from one state to another is equal to the rate of transitions in the opposite direction. Think of it like traffic at a busy intersection: the number of cars going one way is matched by those coming back, ensuring a stable flow. This principle helps explain how systems maintain stability and predict how they will evolve over time.