Systems
Steady State
A condition where system properties remain constant not because nothing is happening, but because inputs continuously equal outputs. Stability through perpetual motion, not stillness.
Used in the Books
This term appears in 1 chapter:
Biological Context
A lake at steady state has constant water level because inflow equals outflow—water continuously flows through. Ecosystems at steady state have constant nutrient pools because uptake equals release. Human body temperature (37°C) is maintained through steady state metabolism, not thermal equilibrium with the environment. Steady state differs from true equilibrium in that it requires constant energy flow to maintain—equilibrium is a resting state, steady state is an active one.