The Joule-Kelvin expansion is not a reversible process due to the nature of throttling involved in the expansion. This process requires a finite pressure difference across the throttle valve, which inherently introduces irreversibility. The Joule-Thompson effect, applicable only to gases with intermolecular attractive forces, confirms that while the expansion is quasistatic, it cannot be reversed.
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The Joule Kelvin or Joule-Thompson cooling effect requires letting the gas expand freely using a throttle valve. (It only works with gases having attractive forces between molecules.). Throttling is not a reversible process since it requires more than an infinitessimal pressure difference between the two sides of the throttle valve.bon said:Homework Statement
Is the Joule Kelvin expansion reversible or not?
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It\'s definitely quasistatic but I\'m not sure if it is reversible or not? I have a feeling it\'s not but can;t explain why...any ideas?