Reversible process of heated pot

In summary, the conversation discusses the reversible and irreversible processes involved in heating a pot of water and condensing the vapor back into water. It is determined that the process is reversible if the entropy remains the same before and after the heating, but this is only possible if the pot is perfectly isolated. The insulation of the pot during heating is also considered, with the conclusion that it does not affect the reversibility. The starting temperature of the water does not necessarily determine the reversibility of the process.
  • #1
daudaudaudau
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Homework Statement



A pot is half filled with water and concealed by a lid so that no vapor can escape. The pot is then heated on a stove so steam is formed inside the pot. Now the heat is turned off and the vapor condenses into water. Explain when the process is reversible/irreversible.

The Attempt at a Solution



From what I understand, they are asking about when the heating of the water is a reversible process, right?

Okay, as far as I know the process is reversible if the entropy is the same before the heating and after the vapor has condensed. So if the pot is perfectly isolated the process is reversible. Otherwise it is not. Is this right?
 
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  • #2
Does it require the input of work to return from point 2 back to point 1? In this case, NO so you have a very good argument for it being reversible.
 
  • #3
Does it matter if the pot is insulated during the heating? I'd say no.

What if for example the water starts at 20C, and then heated until some steam is formed. Will it then be reversible? Or must it begin at 100C?
 

1. What is a reversible process in the context of a heated pot?

A reversible process in the context of a heated pot refers to a process where the pot goes through a series of changes as it is heated, but can be returned to its original state by reversing the steps in the same order.

2. How does a reversible process of a heated pot differ from an irreversible process?

A reversible process can be reversed by following the same steps in reverse order, while an irreversible process cannot be undone. In the context of a heated pot, this means that a reversible process would allow the pot to cool down and return to its starting temperature, while an irreversible process would permanently alter the pot.

3. What factors affect the reversibility of a heated pot?

The material and thickness of the pot, the intensity and duration of the heat source, and the presence of any insulation or external forces can all affect the reversibility of a heated pot. These factors determine how much the pot will change during the heating process and how easily it can be returned to its original state.

4. Can a heated pot ever be completely reversible?

In theory, yes. If the pot is made of a perfectly conductive and homogeneous material, and is heated at a constant and controlled rate, it could potentially be returned to its original state without any permanent changes. However, in real-world scenarios, this is highly unlikely.

5. How is the concept of entropy related to the reversibility of a heated pot?

In thermodynamics, entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness of a system. In the context of a heated pot, the more disorder or changes occur during the heating process, the less reversible the process becomes. This is because it becomes increasingly difficult to reverse the changes and return the pot to its original state as entropy increases.

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