equilibrium etymology

Etymology

The word "equilibrium" comes from the Latin word "aequilibrium," which is a compound of two words:

  • aequi- ("equal")
  • -libra ("scales")

Meaning and Origin

Equilibrium refers to a state of balance where opposing forces are in equilibrium and cancel each other out. The term was first used in the 17th century by the French physicist Gilles Personne de Roberval to describe the state of a body at rest under the action of opposing forces.

In physics, equilibrium refers to a system where the net force and net torque acting on a body or system are zero. This means that the system is not accelerating and is in a state of balance. There are different types of equilibria, including:

  • Mechanical equilibrium: The net force and net torque acting on a body are zero.
  • Thermal equilibrium: The net heat flow into and out of a system is zero.
  • Chemical equilibrium: The net rate of chemical reactions in a system is zero.

The concept of equilibrium is fundamental in many areas of science and engineering. It is used to analyze and predict the behavior of systems and to design systems that operate in a stable and balanced state.

equilibrium relate terms

  • equal

    Etymology Old French egal Latin aequālis Proto Indo European h₁éḱwos Meaning

  • Libra

    Etymology Latin libra meaning balance or scales Meaning Libra is the seven

  • disequilibrium

    Etymology Dis prefix Apart away from Equilibrium noun A state of balance or sta

  • equilibrium

    Etymology The word equilibrium comes from the Latin word aequilibrium which is a com

  • balance

    Etymology Middle English balaunce from Old French balance from Latin bilanx bilance

  • dynamic

    Etymology Greek dynamos powerful Dynamicos active Meaning Dynamic refers

  • hansom

    Meaning A horse drawn carriage for hire A stylish and elegant vehicle Etymology O

  • poise

    Etymology The word poise has two main etymological origins Old French pois meani

  • stability

    Etymology The word stability comes from the Latin word stabilis meaning firm stea

  • poise

    Etymology The word poise has two main etymological origins Old French pois meani

  • structure

    Structure Etymology Latin structura meaning a building construction or arrangeme

  • reaction

    Etymology The word reaction is derived from the Latin word reactionem which means t

  • creation

    Etymology The word creation derives from the Latin term creatio which means the a

  • situation

    Etymology Latin situātiō n Origin situation position placement Meaning A