Equilibrium vs. Balance — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023
Equilibrium refers to a state where opposing forces or reactions are balanced, while balance involves an even distribution of weight or elements that leads to stability.
Difference Between Equilibrium and Balance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Equilibrium often refers to a state in physics or chemistry where opposing forces or reactions are in balance, resulting in no net change. In contrast, balance generally denotes an even distribution of weight or elements that leads to physical or emotional stability. While equilibrium can imply a dynamic or static state depending on the context, balance is typically associated with physical steadiness or emotional composure.
In the realm of physics, equilibrium can describe a situation where all forces acting on an object are equal and opposite, thus cancelling each other out. Balance, in a similar physical context, would mean that an object is positioned in such a way that it doesn't topple over, indicating that its center of gravity is aligned properly. Equilibrium can also exist in chemical reactions, where the rate of forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction.
From a metaphorical perspective, equilibrium can refer to a state of emotional or mental stability where various aspects of life are in harmony. Balance in this context would mean managing different elements of life, such as work and leisure, in a way that maintains overall well-being and avoids excessive stress or burnout. Thus, while equilibrium denotes a state of parity, balance emphasizes the act of maintaining stability.
In a broader sense, equilibrium can be used in various scientific and non-scientific contexts to denote a state of balance or rest. Balance, on the other hand, is often used more colloquially to indicate stability, symmetry, or fairness. Both concepts, however, fundamentally revolve around the idea of maintaining a state where different forces or elements do not lead to instability.
Equilibrium and balance, while overlapping in certain aspects, differ in their typical contexts of use and connotations. Understanding these nuances is important for accurately interpreting and applying these terms in different disciplines or everyday situations.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
State where opposing forces/reactions are balanced.
Even distribution of weight/elements for stability.
Context
Often used in science, like physics or chemistry.
Widely used in physical and metaphorical contexts.
Nature
Can be dynamic or static.
Primarily denotes stability or symmetry.
Focus
Parity or rest in a system.
Maintaining stability or avoiding topple.
Application
Describes no net change in forces or reactions.
Indicates alignment or proportional distribution.
Compare with Definitions
Equilibrium
Balance of forces leading to no net change.
The seesaw was in equilibrium.
Balance
A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.
Equilibrium
Economic condition where supply equals demand.
The market reached equilibrium.
Balance
Even distribution of weight ensuring stability.
She maintained her balance on the tightrope.
Equilibrium
Chemical state where reactions are balanced.
The reaction reached chemical equilibrium.
Balance
State of equal proportion or symmetry.
The artist sought balance in her composition.
Equilibrium
Mental or emotional stability.
She found her equilibrium after meditation.
Balance
See Libra.
Equilibrium
(Physics) The state of a body or physical system at rest or in unaccelerated motion in which the resultant of all forces acting on it is zero and the sum of all torques about any axis is zero.
Balance
A weighing device, especially one consisting of a rigid beam horizontally suspended by a low-friction support at its center, with identical weighing pans hung at either end, one of which holds an unknown weight while the effective weight in the other is increased by known amounts until the beam is level and motionless. Also called scale.
Equilibrium
(physics) The state of a body at rest or in uniform motion in which the resultant of all forces on it is zero.
Balance
The power or means to decide
Matters that fell outside the judge's balance.
Equilibrium
State of balance in a physical system.
The building achieved structural equilibrium.
Balance
A state of bodily equilibrium
Thrown off balance by a gust of wind.
Equilibrium
A condition in which all acting influences are canceled by others, resulting in a stable, balanced, or unchanging system.
Balance
The ability to maintain bodily equilibrium
Gymnasts must have good balance.
Equilibrium
Mental or emotional balance.
Balance
A harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design.
Equilibrium
The state of a chemical reaction in which its forward and reverse reactions occur at equal rates so that the concentration of the reactants and products does not change with time.
Balance
An influence or force tending to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.
Equilibrium
The state of a system in which more than one phase exists and exchange between phases occurs at equal rates so that there is no net change in the composition of the system.
Balance
The difference in magnitude between opposing forces or influences.
Equilibrium
The condition of a system in which competing influences are balanced, resulting in no net change.
Balance
Equality of totals in the debit and credit sides of an account.
Equilibrium
Mental balance.
Balance
The difference between such totals, either on the credit or the debit side.
Equilibrium
(chemistry) The state of a reaction in which the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are the same.
Balance
Something that is left over; a remainder.
Equilibrium
Equality of weight or force; an equipoise or a state of rest produced by the mutual counteraction of two or more forces.
Balance
(Chemistry) Equality of mass and net electric charge of reacting species on each side of an equation.
Equilibrium
A level position; a just poise or balance in respect to an object, so that it remains firm; equipoise; as, to preserve the equilibrium of the body.
Health consists in the equilibrium between those two powers.
Balance
(Mathematics) Equality with respect to the net number of reduced symbolic quantities on each side of an equation.
Equilibrium
A balancing of the mind between motives or reasons, with consequent indecision and doubt.
Balance
A balance wheel.
Equilibrium
A chemical reaction and its reverse proceed at equal rates
Balance
To determine the weight of (something) in a weighing device.
Equilibrium
A stable situation in which forces cancel one another
Balance
To consider and compare or assess
Balanced the pros and cons before making a choice.
Equilibrium
Equality of distribution
Balance
To bring into or maintain in a state of equilibrium.
Equilibrium
A sensory system located in structures of the inner ear that registers the orientation of the head
Balance
To act as an equalizing weight or force to; counterbalance.
Balance
To compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account).
Balance
To reconcile or equalize the sums of the debits and credits of (an account).
Balance
To settle (an account, for example) by paying what is owed.
Balance
To bring into or keep in equal or satisfying proportion or harmony.
Balance
Mathematics & Chemistry To bring (an equation) into balance.
Balance
To move toward and then away from (a dance partner).
Balance
To be in or come into equilibrium.
Balance
To be equal or equivalent.
Balance
To sway or waver as if losing or regaining equilibrium.
Balance
To move toward and then away from a dance partner.
Balance
(uncountable) A state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium.
Balance
(uncountable) Mental equilibrium; mental health; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed.
Balance
Something of equal weight used to provide equilibrium; counterweight.
These weights are used as a balance for the overhanging verandah
Blair thought he could provide a useful balance to Bush's policies.
Balance
A pair of scales.
Balance
(uncountable) Awareness of both viewpoints or matters; neutrality; rationality; objectivity.
Balance
(uncountable) The overall result of conflicting forces, opinions etc.; the influence which ultimately "weighs" more than others.
The balance of power finally lay with the Royalist forces.
I think the balance of opinion is that we should get out while we're ahead.
Balance
(uncountable) Apparent harmony in art (between differing colours, sounds, etc.).
Balance
(accounting) A list accounting for the debits on one side, and for the credits on the other.
Balance
(accounting) The result of such a procedure; the difference between credit and debit of an account.
I just need to nip to a bank and check my balance.
Balance
(watchmaking) A device used to regulate the speed of a watch, clock etc.
Balance
The remainder.
The balance of the agreement remains in effect.
The invoice said he had only paid $50. The balance was $220.
Balance
Libra.
Balance
(transitive) To bring (items) to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights.
Balance
To make (concepts) agree.
Balance
(transitive) To hold (an object or objects) precariously; to support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling.
I balanced my mug of coffee on my knee.
The circus performer balances a plate on the end of a baton.
Balance
(transitive) To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
Balance
To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally.
To balance partners
Balance
(nautical) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass.
To balance the boom mainsail
Balance
(transitive) To make the credits and debits of (an account) correspond.
This final payment, or credit, balances the account.
To balance a set of books
Balance
(intransitive) To be in equilibrium.
Balance
(intransitive) To have matching credits and debits.
Balance
To weigh in a balance.
Balance
To hesitate or fluctuate.
Balance
An apparatus for weighing.
Balance
Act of weighing mentally; comparison; estimate.
A fair balance of the advantages on either side.
Balance
Equipoise between the weights in opposite scales.
Balance
The state of being in equipoise; equilibrium; even adjustment; steadiness.
And hung a bottle on each sideTo make his balance true.
The order and balance of the country were destroyed.
English workmen completely lose their balance.
Balance
An equality between the sums total of the two sides of an account; as, to bring one's accounts to a balance; - also, the excess on either side; as, the balance of an account.
I still think the balance of probabilities leans towards the account given in the text.
Balance
A balance wheel, as of a watch, or clock. See Balance wheel (in the Vocabulary).
Balance
The constellation Libra.
Balance
To bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights; to weigh in a balance.
Balance
To support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling; as, to balance a plate on the end of a cane; to balance one's self on a tight rope.
Balance
To equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize.
One expression . . . must check and balance another.
Balance
To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
Balance the good and evil of things.
Balance
To settle and adjust, as an account; to make two accounts equal by paying the difference between them.
I am very well satisfied that it is not in my power to balance accounts with my Maker.
Balance
To make the sums of the debits and credits of an account equal; - said of an item; as, this payment, or credit, balances the account.
Balance
To arrange accounts in such a way that the sum total of the debits is equal to the sum total of the credits; as, to balance a set of books.
Balance
To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally; as, to balance partners.
Balance
To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass; as, to balance the boom mainsail.
Balance
To have equal weight on each side; to be in equipoise; as, the scales balance.
Balance
To fluctuate between motives which appear of equal force; to waver; to hesitate.
He would not balance or err in the determination of his choice.
Balance
To move toward a person or couple, and then back.
Balance
A state of equilibrium
Balance
A scale for weighing; depends on pull of gravity
Balance
Equality between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
Balance
Harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole (as in a design);
In all perfectly beautiful objects there is found the opposition of one part to another and a reciprocal balance
Balance
Equality of distribution
Balance
Something left after other parts have been taken away;
There was no remainder
He threw away the rest
He took what he wanted and I got the balance
Balance
The difference between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
Balance
(astrology) a person who is born while the sun in in Libra
Balance
The seventh sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about September 23 to October 22
Balance
(mathematics) an attribute of a shape or relation; exact correspondence of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane
Balance
An equivalent counterbalancing weight
Balance
A wheel that regulates the rate of movement in a machine; especially a wheel oscillating against the hairspring of a timepiece to regulate its beat
Balance
Bring into balance or equilibrium;
She has to balance work and her domestic duties
Balance the two weights
Balance
Compute credits and debits of an account
Balance
Hold or carry in equilibrium
Balance
Be in equilibrium;
He was balancing on one foot
Balance
Emotional or mental steadiness.
He achieved balance between work and life.
Balance
Financial state of equal debits and credits.
The accountant confirmed the balance in the books.
Balance
Maintaining physical posture.
The gymnast showed incredible balance.
Common Curiosities
What does balance mean?
Balance refers to an even distribution of weight or elements that leads to stability.
Is balance always a physical state?
No, balance can also be metaphorical, referring to emotional or mental steadiness.
What is equilibrium?
Equilibrium is a state where opposing forces or reactions are balanced, resulting in no net change.
What is chemical equilibrium?
Chemical equilibrium is a state in a chemical reaction where the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction.
Can an ecosystem be in equilibrium?
Yes, an ecosystem can reach equilibrium where different species and environmental factors are in balance.
How is balance achieved in architecture?
In architecture, balance is achieved through even weight distribution, symmetry, and proportional design.
Can equilibrium be dynamic?
Yes, equilibrium can be dynamic, especially in systems where continuous changes occur but overall balance is maintained.
Does balance always imply symmetry?
Not always. While balance can involve symmetry, it can also mean proportional distribution or alignment without exact symmetry.
How is equilibrium used in economics?
In economics, equilibrium refers to a state where supply equals demand, leading to market stability.
How does equilibrium differ from balance in physics?
In physics, equilibrium denotes forces in balance, while balance refers to an object's stability due to even weight distribution.
How is balance important in everyday life?
Balance is crucial for maintaining physical stability, emotional well-being, and managing life's various aspects.
What is the difference between static and dynamic equilibrium?
Static equilibrium involves no movement or change, while dynamic equilibrium involves continuous movement with overall balance.
Can equilibrium change over time?
Yes, equilibrium can shift due to external forces or changes within a system.
What role does balance play in art and design?
In art and design, balance is crucial for creating visually pleasing and harmonious compositions.
Can a person achieve emotional equilibrium?
Yes, emotional equilibrium involves a state of mental balance and stability.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
