Thus, the state of relatively stable or metastable equilibrium is defined as the state in which a system remains for a long period of time, and any slight disturbance causing the system to deviate from the metastable state does not result in the system passing into another state.

What is true equilibrium and metastable equilibrium?

Metastable. The distinction between stable and metastable equilibrium is generally that the stable equilibrium state is "truly unchanging", or unchanging given in- definite time, whereas the metastable state may be changing, but too slowly to be observed (see Quota- tions).

What is meant by metastable phases?

[¦med·ə′stā·bəl ¦fāz] (physical chemistry) Existence of a substance as either a liquid, solid, or vapor under conditions in which it is normally unstable in that state.