Reversible Process: Why is it Important?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of reversible and irreversible processes in thermodynamics. It is mentioned that in a reversible or quasistatic process, the energy is not lost as heat and the system remains in thermodynamic equilibrium. The reason for wanting reversible processes is to be able to accurately measure the parameters defining the system. The second law of thermodynamics is also mentioned as it quantifies which processes can occur spontaneously. The definition of an internally reversible process is provided as a continuous sequence of thermodynamic equilibrium states. Any process that does not meet this definition is considered irreversible.
  • #1
Pushoam
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Does this mean that in reversible process\ quasistatic process, the energy is not lost as heat and the process in which the energy is not lost as heat is known as reversible process\quasistatic process?

I want to know why we want to have reversible \ quasistatic process.
 

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  • #2
Look at the sentence after the highlighted one.
 
  • #3
mjc123 said:
Look at the sentence after the highlighted one.
I did that.
Yet,I have not understood why we want reversible process\quasistatic process?
Is it because in quasistatic process, the system remains in thermodynamic eqbm. and so the parameters defining the system are well defined and can be measured?
 
  • #4
The second law of thermodynamics quantifies the kinds of processes that can and can't occur spontaneously. In order to provide this quantification (mathematically), we must first understand reversible and irreversible processes, and their definitions. If a closed system experiences a reversible process, it passes through a continuous sequence of thermodynamic equilibrium states. This can be used as the definition of an internally reversible process. Any process that does not satisfy this definition for the system is irreversible.
 

1. What is a reversible process?

A reversible process is a thermodynamic process that can be reversed by changing the direction of each step in the process, resulting in the system returning to its original state. This means that the system undergoes no net change in its surroundings and can be considered as a theoretical ideal process.

2. Why is a reversible process important?

A reversible process is important because it allows for the most efficient use of energy. In a reversible process, the system can be brought back to its original state without any energy losses, meaning that all of the work done can be recovered. This makes it a crucial concept in understanding and designing efficient energy systems.

3. How does a reversible process differ from an irreversible process?

A reversible process is characterized by the absence of energy losses, while an irreversible process involves some energy losses due to irreversibilities, such as friction or heat transfer. In a reversible process, the system can be brought back to its original state without any changes in the surroundings, while an irreversible process results in a net change in the system and/or surroundings.

4. What are some examples of reversible processes?

Some examples of reversible processes include ideal gas expansion and compression, phase changes between solid, liquid, and gas, and reversible chemical reactions. These processes can be reversed by changing the external conditions, such as pressure or temperature, without any energy losses.

5. Can a reversible process occur in the real world?

In theory, a reversible process can occur in the real world. However, it is difficult to achieve in practice as it requires perfectly insulated systems and no external influences. Most processes in the real world are irreversible due to the presence of irreversibilities, but reversible processes serve as important theoretical concepts in understanding and optimizing real-world processes.

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