What is Stationary? | Definition, Uses, Advantages vs Disadvantages

The notion of stationary is both abstract and concrete, scientific and philosophical. The word refers to a state of motionlessness or immobility, which has various implications in different fields of study. In physics, this term has been used to define the laws of motion, whereas the field of economics has borrowed this term to study business cycles.

The word refers to a state of being where all motions (advancement and regression) and changes are halted. This may be naturally achieved or brought about artificially. In regular conversation, this word is used in different ways.

Concerning inanimate objects, this word is used frequently because it is their essential state of being. When used in the case of human beings, this word is used in a deeper sense. A stationary stage in life may refer to a vacuum-like state of existence without emotional or psychological developments.

Key Takeaways

1. Stationary refers to writing materials such as paper, envelopes, pens, and pencils for writing and printing.
2. Stationary products come in various sizes, colors, and designs and can be customized according to individual preferences.
3. Stationary items are used for personal and professional purposes and are crucial in communication, branding, and marketing.

Uses of the term

1. In physics, the term has been used to denote a period in which all conditions are unchanging and constant. This term has been used about the volume of black holes and solutions to the Schrodinger equation, among others.
2. It has been used in economics to refer to certain points in the business cycle or explain the complexities of cardinal and marginal utility.
3. The word has been used in geography and geological studies about tectonic plates and shifts thereof.
4. In chemistry, the study of molecules employs this term to differentiate between the apparent state of rest and the movement within. This has also been used to define wave and light particles similarly.
5. It is also taken to refer to a stationary armature-rotating field alternator, a high voltage machine (in the field of electrical engineering).
6. In the lexicon of everyday language, the word is used to imply a state of rest or constancy.

Advantages of using the term

1. In scientific areas or studies, the word has a specific meaning in that context which has now formed a part of the overall discourse.
2. In the humanities, it can mean something specific or abstract, depending upon the circumstances in which it is used.
3. The existence of this word has made it possible to define certain essential characteristics of manmade or natural objects or living beings such as plants.

Disadvantages of using the term

1. People commonly mistake the word for its homonym – stationery, which has different usage and meaning. Stationery refers to material objects such as school and office supplies.
2. In its abstract sense, the word can mean a wide variety of things not made completely clear. When used in a concrete context rooted in reality, it may confuse.
3. This is because the word refers to both a physical state of being and a psychological condition. It may be difficult to differentiate between the two implications in certain situations according to the context.

References

1. https://arxiv.org/abs/1005.1116
2. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1907722?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents