Is a reversible isothermal process truly without energy change?

AI Thread Summary
In a reversible isothermal process, the internal energy of an ideal gas remains constant due to the temperature being constant. However, for non-ideal gases, internal energy can change even in reversible isothermal conditions. The term "reversible" does not inherently imply that internal energy is unchanged; it depends on the specific system being analyzed. The key distinction lies in the behavior of ideal versus non-ideal gases. Understanding these nuances is crucial for accurately interpreting thermodynamic processes.
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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