Metastable states

Metastable states are conditions where a system remains stable for a significant period, even though it is not in its lowest energy state. Think of it like a ball resting in a shallow valley; it stays there unless a sufficient push moves it into a deeper valley representing a more stable state. Metastable states occur in various physical and chemical systems and can persist until an external disturbance triggers a transition to a more stable configuration. This temporary stability is important in processes like certain chemical reactions, electronic devices, and phase changes.