Is a reversible isothermal process truly without energy change?

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SUMMARY

A reversible isothermal process does not result in a change in internal energy for an ideal gas, as its internal energy is solely a function of temperature. The discussion clarifies that while the temperature remains constant during such a process, the term "reversible" does not imply that internal energy can change in this specific case. It is essential to distinguish between ideal gases and other systems when considering internal energy changes in reversible processes.

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  • Understanding of thermodynamic processes
  • Knowledge of the ideal gas law
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  • Basic principles of reversible processes in thermodynamics
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chukie
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Hi!
I was just wondering if in a reversible isothermal process, there is a change in internal energy.
I know that for the isothermal forward process the temperature is constant so internal energy is constant? What really stumps me is the word reversible.
 
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In general, yes, the internal energy can change in a reversible isothermal process. (An exception exists for the case of an ideal gas, whose internal energy is a function of temperature only.)
 

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