Understanding Reversible Processes: Definition, Examples, and Importance

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SUMMARY

A reversible process is defined as one where both the system and its surroundings return to their initial states by reversing the process direction. The discussion highlights that a process can be reversed without being quasi-static, as illustrated by an adiabatic container with a piston. It emphasizes that true reversibility requires the system to be in equilibrium and the work done on the system to equal the work done by the system, achievable only through infinitely small steps, which is impractical in real life.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic processes
  • Familiarity with adiabatic systems
  • Knowledge of quasi-static processes
  • Basic principles of work and energy in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of thermodynamic equilibrium
  • Explore the concept of quasi-static processes in detail
  • Learn about adiabatic processes and their implications in thermodynamics
  • Investigate the mathematical representation of work done in reversible processes
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on thermodynamics, as well as engineers and researchers interested in the principles of reversible processes and their applications.

phymatter
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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 [tex]\Delta[/tex]h 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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