REVERSIBLE AND IRREVERSIBLE PROCESSES

REVERSIBLE AND IRREVERSIBLE PROCESSES

In a reversible process, things occur very gradually and smoothly, with no opposing forces, spatial constraints, and in a highly organized manner. However, it’s important to note that true reversibility is an idealization and not physically achievable.

There are two key aspects of reversible processes:

1. Internally Reversible Process: This type of process involves a system transitioning through a series of equilibrium states. When this process is reversed, the system follows precisely the same equilibrium states as it returns to its initial state. Essentially, it’s as if you can rewind all the steps of the process perfectly.
2. Externally Reversible Process: In this context, a process is externally reversible if heat transfer occurs between a system and a reservoir, and the surface of contact between the system and the reservoir remains at the same temperature throughout the process. This implies that there is no temperature difference at the boundary between the system and its surroundings.

Reversibility, in a broader sense, means that the effects of a process can be completely erased. In other words, there is a way to restore both the system and its surroundings to their original states exactly as they were before the process occurred.

Conversely, an irreversible process is one that cannot be undone in this manner. Irreversible processes are characterized by certain factors that prevent complete restoration. These factors include:

• Heat Transfer Across Finite Temperature Differences: Irreversibility often arises when heat is transferred across a finite temperature difference. This is a common occurrence in many real-world processes.
• Unrestrained Expansion of a Gas or Liquid: If a gas or liquid expands freely into a region of lower pressure, it typically leads to irreversibility.
• Spontaneous Chemical Reactions: Some chemical reactions are irreversible in nature.
• Mixing of Matter at Different Compositions or States: Mixing substances with different compositions or physical states can result in irreversible changes.
• Friction: The presence of friction between surfaces can lead to irreversibility.
• Electric Current Flow Through a Resistance: Electrical resistance generates heat and is associated with irreversible processes.
• Magnetization or Polarization with Hysteresis: Magnetic and polarization effects with hysteresis are typically irreversible.
• Inelastic Deformation: Irreversibility occurs in processes involving inelastic deformation of materials.

It’s important to distinguish between internal and external irreversibilities. Internal irreversibilities take place within the system itself, while external irreversibilities occur within the surroundings, often the immediate surroundings of the system. For instance, when considering a gas as the system, the work done during its expansion occurs as the gas exerts a force to move its boundary against the resistance provided by the surroundings. The area, pressure, and volume changes are all factors that contribute to this work, making it an essential aspect of irreversible processes.