Which of the following best describes the condition of steady-state equilibrium?
A) System inputs always exactly balance outputs so the system never changes.
B) System inputs and outputs fluctuate around a stable average so the system does not move far from its average condition.
C) System inputs produce large, random fluctuations in output, forcing the system into a new state of equilibrium.
D) Systems slowly adjust to long-term changes in input and output.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Steady-state equilibrium refers to a condition where the inputs and outputs of a system fluctuate around a stable average, so the system does not move far from its average condition. This state of equilibrium is characterized by a dynamic balance between the system's inputs and outputs, where any changes in the inputs or outputs are buffered or compensated for to maintain a stable state. Option A is incorrect because if inputs and outputs exactly balance, the system would not change in response to any changes in the inputs or outputs. Option C is incorrect because large, random fluctuations in output would destabilize the system rather than maintaining a steady-state equilibrium. Option D is incorrect because steady-state equilibrium does not refer to long-term adjustments, but rather refers to the immediate balancing of inputs and outputs in a system.

Which of the Following Best Describes the Condition of Steady-State