Difference between revisions of "Metastable"
From Soft-Matter
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
− | Metastable is a state in which matter experiences a local equilibrium, but will be disturbed by a small perturbation. The metastable state is at a | + | Metastable is a state in which matter experiences a local equilibrium, but will be disturbed by a small perturbation resulting in a move to a lower energy state. The metastable state is at a delicate equilibrium which will remain unless it is disturbed. |
[[Image:McIlwee Metastable.png|thumb|center|400px|alt=Figure 1. E vs. x showing stable and metastable states.|Figure 1. E vs. x showing stable and metastable states.]] | [[Image:McIlwee Metastable.png|thumb|center|400px|alt=Figure 1. E vs. x showing stable and metastable states.|Figure 1. E vs. x showing stable and metastable states.]] |
Latest revision as of 21:40, 3 December 2009
Metastable is a state in which matter experiences a local equilibrium, but will be disturbed by a small perturbation resulting in a move to a lower energy state. The metastable state is at a delicate equilibrium which will remain unless it is disturbed.