stable equilibrium

Stable equilibrium refers to a state where a system tends to return to its original position after being disturbed. Imagine a ball resting at the bottom of a bowl; if you push it slightly, it will roll back to the center. In contrast, if the ball is placed on top of a hill, any small push will cause it to roll away, indicating an unstable equilibrium. Systems in stable equilibrium are resilient to changes, making them more likely to maintain their balance unless acted upon by significant external forces. This concept applies in various fields, including physics, economics, and ecology.