Stability of equilibrium

Stability of equilibrium refers to how a system responds when it's slightly disturbed from its balanced state. If, after a small change, the system naturally returns to its original equilibrium, it is considered stable—like a ball resting at the bottom of a bowl. Conversely, if the disturbance causes the system to move further away from equilibrium, it is unstable—similar to balancing a pencil on its tip. Stability indicates whether a system can withstand minor fluctuations without changing its overall state, helping us understand its resilience and long-term behavior.