Is this transformation irreversible?

In summary, the speaker questions the safety of assuming a cyclic transformation is irreversible based on the ability to extract heat from a cold reservoir and move it into a hotter reservoir with no other effect. The speaker also notes that the TS diagram does not provide enough information about the amount of work being done or the process itself.
  • #1
Ahmed1029
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This is a cyclic transformation. Is it safe to say thay it's irreversible because if you reverse it, it means I could extract an amount of heat from a cold reservoir and move it into a hotter reservoir with no other effect?
 
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  • #2
Ahmed1029 said:
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This is a cyclic transformation. Is it safe to say thay it's irreversible because if you reverse it, it means I could extract an amount of heat from a cold reservoir and move it into a hotter reservoir with no other effect?
No it's not safe to say that. This TS diagram doesn't say anything about the amount of work that's being done on or by the surroundings, or how the process is carried out. I can easily visualize a reversible process corresponding to this cycle.
 
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1. What is a reversible transformation?

A reversible transformation is a process that can be reversed, meaning that the system can return to its original state after the transformation has occurred.

2. How do you determine if a transformation is reversible or irreversible?

The reversibility of a transformation depends on the conditions under which it occurs. In general, a transformation is considered reversible if it occurs under conditions of equilibrium, meaning that the system is in a stable state and no energy is lost.

3. What factors can make a transformation irreversible?

There are several factors that can make a transformation irreversible, including the presence of irreversible reactions, changes in temperature or pressure, and the release of energy or matter from the system.

4. Can an irreversible transformation be reversed?

In most cases, an irreversible transformation cannot be reversed. This is because irreversible processes involve the loss of energy or matter from the system, making it impossible to return to its original state.

5. What are some examples of irreversible transformations?

Some common examples of irreversible transformations include combustion reactions, diffusion of gases, and chemical reactions that produce a gas or precipitate. Other examples include melting, boiling, and freezing of substances.

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