Equilibrium free energy differences refer to the change in free energy between two states of a system at equilibrium, indicating the spontaneity of a process. This concept is crucial as it helps predict whether a reaction will proceed in the forward or reverse direction based on the thermodynamic stability of the states involved. In the context of fluctuations and non-equilibrium processes, it highlights how systems can temporarily deviate from equilibrium and how this relates to work done on or by the system.
congrats on reading the definition of equilibrium free energy differences. now let's actually learn it.