Understanding Reversible Processes: Definition, Examples, and Importance

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A reversible process requires the system and surroundings to return to their initial states, typically necessitating a quasi-static process. However, examples illustrate that processes can appear reversible without being quasi-static, as demonstrated by a piston moving in an adiabatic container. True reversibility demands that the work done on the system equals the work done by the system, which can only be achieved through infinitely small steps. This idealized condition is challenging to replicate in practical scenarios, as real-life processes cannot achieve perfect equilibrium or infinite precision. Overall, the discussion highlights the complexities and theoretical nature of reversible processes in thermodynamics.
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A process is said to be reversible if the system and its surroundings are restored to their respective initial states by reversing the direction of the process. A reversible process has to be quasi-static

This is what my book says , but consider this :
i take something in an adiabatic container with a piston and pull up the piston to change its height by \Deltah in 1 step, then again I bring it back to same height in 1 step , now this process is not quasi-static but it has been reversed !
also it is back in the same state!

also why should the system be always in equilibrium to be reversable
 
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The process will have to be accurate by 100%, that means the amount of work done on the system should be identical to the smallest amount of work done by the system...if you're measuring this, it's only achievable if you're observing the system by infinitely small steps, or making progress through infinitely small steps and each step is observed.

A smooth graph formed off the adiabatic process will mean that you have every infinity small detail proving that the area of the graph formed when work is done on the system = the area of the graph formed when work is done by the system...this is impossible in real life.
 

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