noun
- a state of apparent stability in which a system can remain for a long time but is not in true equilibrium and can change suddenly to a more stable state
Usage: physics; chemistry
Examples
- The supercooled water exhibited metastability until a small disturbance caused it to freeze instantly.
- Diamond demonstrates metastability at room temperature, remaining unchanged despite graphite being more stable.
- The researcher studied the metastability of the chemical compound under various temperature conditions.
- Metastability in electronic circuits can cause unpredictable behavior in digital systems.
- The glass exists in a state of metastability, appearing solid but lacking true crystalline structure.
- Understanding metastability is crucial for predicting when avalanches might occur on unstable slopes.