What term describes a balance between competing forces in a system?

The term that describes a balance between competing forces in a system is equilibrium. In scientific contexts, equilibrium refers to a state where different forces or influences are balanced, leading to a stable condition. This concept can be applied across various fields such as physics, chemistry, and biology. For example, in a chemical reaction at equilibrium, the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the backward reaction, resulting in constant concentrations of reactants and products.

In a biological context, equilibrium can refer to homeostasis, where the internal conditions of an organism remain stable despite external changes, but homeostasis specifically emphasizes physiological conditions rather than a broader system balance. Stability often refers to the overall resilience of a system to changes, while chaos suggests a lack of order or predictability. Thus, the most fitting term that aligns with the definition provided in the question is equilibrium, as it specifically highlights the balance between competing forces within a system.