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At equilibrium all chemical potential gradients are zero. Moreover, the principle of microscopic reversibility guarantees that, at equilibrium, the rate at which any process proceeds in the "forward" direction is exactly balanced by the rate of that process in the "reverse" direction. This holds for every individual process, and means that at equilibrium there can be no net flux through any enzyme, any ion channel, or any transport protein. This is easy to understand intellectually because a nonzero chemical potential difference is absolutely required to drive a net flux. But steady state and equilibrium are so commonly used as if they were synonyms, that you will likely have to think about these points for hours before you can parry the objections of scientists who are sure of their misinformation.
A widely misunderstood example is provided by the transport of ions across the plasma membrane of a cell. Take Na+ as an example. Because, in the normal state of the cell, there is no net flux of Na+ across the cell membrane, and because the Na concentration in the cytosol is not changing with time, this condition is sometimes thought to be an equilibrium state. It is not. It is a steady state. The fact that [Na+] is constant is sufficient to define a steady state, but is insufficient to distinguish a steady state from an equilibrium. That is because an equilibrium is a special case of a steady state; an equilibrium is a steady state that is achieved when all chemical potential gradients have decayed to zero and there are no further net movements of molecules via any process. This is in marked contrast to the steady state of Na in a living cell. Here, there is a substantial net flux of Na into the cell through Na channels in the cell membrane, and there is an opposite but equal net flux of Na extruded from the cell by the action of the Na+K+ATPase. There is a nonzero chemical potential gradient consisting of both chemical and electrical terms that propells Na+ into the cell, and there is a nonzero chemical potential gradient including a term for the hydrolysis of ATP that pumps Na+ from the cell. Neither the ion channels nor the Na pump can qualify as processes at equilibrium; there are net Na fluxes through both. The fact that there is no net flux across the membrane is simply a corrollary of the steady state, not an indication of equilibrium. This is because the equilibrium condition is a statement about processes, not about state variables. Consequently, equilibrium is attained only when there are no net fluxes through ion channels and no net fluxes through the pumps. Equilibrium is thus achieved only when the cell is dead. Far from being synonyms, the difference between steady state and equilibrium is the difference between life and death.
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What is the difference between an isotonic solution and equilibrium?
An isotonic solution refers to a solution where the concentration of solutes is the same inside and outside of a cell, leading to no net movement of water across the cell membrane. Equilibrium, on the other hand, refers to a state where there is a balance between opposing forces, resulting in a steady state with no net change. In the context of a cell, equilibrium can refer to the balance of ions or molecules inside and outside the cell.
What is steady state error in control system?
Steady state error in control systems is the difference between the desired output of a system and the actual output when the system reaches a constant state under a specific input. It indicates how well the system is tracking the desired setpoint. Lower steady state error values indicate better performance of the control system.
What is meant by the term steady state of concentration of ozone in stratosphere?
The steady state of ozone concentration in the stratosphere refers to a balance between the production and destruction of ozone molecules. In this state, the rate of ozone formation is equal to the rate of ozone depletion, resulting in a relatively constant concentration of ozone in the stratosphere over time. This equilibrium is essential for maintaining the ozone layer's protective effect on Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
How do you explain in your own words balance of nature?
It is how all organism affects and live with each other THERE IS an EQUILIBRIUM IN THE ECOSYSTEM it is where the natural system seen in a state of equilibrium AT THIS STATE, IF ONE IS DISTURBS ALL ARE AFFECTED Balance in nature is a situation where the interactions between organisms and their environment produce a steady and balanced ecosystem A 'balance in nature' therefore, is the continuous balance between all these living things as well as environmental factors.
What is the types of equilibrium?
There are three types of equilibrium: stable equilibrium, where a system returns to its original state after a disturbance; unstable equilibrium, where a system moves further away from its original state after a disturbance; and neutral equilibrium, where a system remains in its new state after a disturbance.
What is the difference between equilibrium and steady state in a system?
Equilibrium in a system refers to a state where there is no net change or movement, with all forces and factors balancing out. Steady state, on the other hand, is a condition where the system is stable over time, with inputs and outputs remaining constant. While equilibrium is a snapshot in time, steady state is a dynamic state of balance.
What are the differences between steady state and rapid equilibrium in a system?
In a system, steady state refers to a condition where the system's variables remain constant over time, while rapid equilibrium occurs when the system quickly reaches a balance between different components. Steady state involves a stable state of the system, while rapid equilibrium involves a quick adjustment to reach a balanced state.
What does steady state mean and how does it relate to the system's equilibrium?
Steady state refers to a condition where a system's variables remain constant over time. It is a state of equilibrium where the system's inputs and outputs are balanced, leading to a stable state. In relation to the system's equilibrium, steady state indicates that the system has reached a point where there is no net change in its overall behavior, maintaining a consistent state of balance.
What are the key differences between steady state and equilibrium chemistry?
Steady state chemistry involves a continuous flow of reactants and products, maintaining a constant concentration of intermediates. Equilibrium chemistry, on the other hand, is a state where the rates of forward and reverse reactions are equal, resulting in a stable concentration of reactants and products.
What is the difference between an isotonic solution and equilibrium?
An isotonic solution refers to a solution where the concentration of solutes is the same inside and outside of a cell, leading to no net movement of water across the cell membrane. Equilibrium, on the other hand, refers to a state where there is a balance between opposing forces, resulting in a steady state with no net change. In the context of a cell, equilibrium can refer to the balance of ions or molecules inside and outside the cell.
How can I use the steady state concentration calculator to determine the equilibrium concentration of a chemical species in a reaction system?
To use the steady state concentration calculator to determine the equilibrium concentration of a chemical species in a reaction system, input the initial concentrations of the reactants and the rate constants of the reactions. The calculator will then calculate the steady state concentrations of the species at equilibrium based on the reaction kinetics.
How can I use the steady state calculator to determine the equilibrium point of a system?
To determine the equilibrium point of a system using a steady state calculator, input the system's equations and parameters into the calculator. The calculator will then solve for the values of the variables at which the system reaches equilibrium, known as the equilibrium point. This point represents the stable state of the system where there is no change over time.
The steady state so vital to life is possible because?
all reactions are equilibrium
How does transient heat transfer differ from steady state heat transfer?
In transient heat transfer, the rate of heat transfer is changing with time. By definition, in steady-state heat transfer, the rate of heat transfer does NOT change with time. In the real world, heat transfer starts out as transient and then approaches steady-state with time until the difference between the actual and the ideal becomes negligible or until thermal equilibrium is approached.
What is the difference between stable and unstable equilibrium in physics?
In physics, stable equilibrium refers to a state where a system returns to its original position after being disturbed, while unstable equilibrium is a state where a system moves further away from its original position when disturbed.
What is the ability of the body to maintain equilibrium or steady state called?
The ability of the body to maintain equilibrium or steady state is called homeostasis. This process involves the regulation of various internal conditions, such as temperature, pH, and glucose levels, to ensure the body functions optimally.
What is thermal equilibruim?
Thermal equilibrium is a state in which two systems are at the same temperature and there is no transfer of heat between them. In thermal equilibrium, the rate of energy transfer between the systems due to temperature difference is zero, resulting in a stable thermal state.
