Reversible/Irreversible Compression/Dilatation

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Reversible compression requires less work than irreversible compression, while reversible dilatation demands more work compared to irreversible dilatation. This discrepancy can be understood through the principles of thermodynamics and the mathematical representations in graphs and integrals. In a piston/cylinder system, the work done can be reversed when small weights are added and removed gradually, as this process allows for equilibrium. Conversely, applying a large force suddenly, like dropping a brick, creates irreversible work due to the rapid change in state and energy dissipation. Understanding these concepts can be aided by analogies, such as those found in spring/damper systems.
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Help me connect the dots here, please!

It's written in my notes that Reversible Compression have less work involved in comparison to irreversible compression while Reversible Dilatation have more work involved than irreversible dilatation. Why? My notes have the graphs and mathematical (integrals) as explanation, but I'm really having trouble picturing it in my daily life.

I'm also having trouble picturing an irreversible work in a piston/cylinder system. Why is it possible to reverse the work done after adding small weights on a piston by removing said weight one by one while throwing a big brick onto it would result in an irreversible work?
 
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Luscinia said:
Help me connect the dots here, please!

It's written in my notes that Reversible Compression have less work involved in comparison to irreversible compression while Reversible Dilatation have more work involved than irreversible dilatation. Why? My notes have the graphs and mathematical (integrals) as explanation, but I'm really having trouble picturing it in my daily life.

I'm also having trouble picturing an irreversible work in a piston/cylinder system. Why is it possible to reverse the work done after adding small weights on a piston by removing said weight one by one while throwing a big brick onto it would result in an irreversible work?
See my Physics Forums Insights article explaining all this by analogy with spring/damper systems.
 

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