Stable equilibrium refers to a state in which a system tends to return to its original position after being disturbed. For example, if you imagine a ball resting at the bottom of a bowl, any slight push will cause the ball to roll away, but it will eventually return to the bottom. This characteristic makes stable equilibrium important in various fields, including physics and economics. In contrast, unstable equilibrium occurs when a system moves away from its original position after a disturbance. Understanding stable equilibrium helps in analyzing systems like ecosystems, markets, and mechanical structures, ensuring they can withstand changes and maintain balance over time.