What is the entropy for an irreversible adiabatic process?

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SUMMARY

The change in entropy is zero exclusively for reversible adiabatic processes, as confirmed in the discussion. Irreversible adiabatic processes result in an increase in entropy due to the inherent nature of irreversibility, which introduces additional disorder. The equation governing entropy change, dS = dQ/T, highlights that for irreversible processes, the heat transfer dQ does not occur in a manner that maintains equilibrium, leading to a net increase in entropy. For further understanding, the provided Physics Forums Insights article offers a comprehensive guide on calculating entropy changes in irreversible processes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the second law of thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of reversible and irreversible processes
  • Knowledge of thermodynamic equations, specifically dS = dQ/T
  • Basic principles of heat transfer and thermodynamic systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the second law of thermodynamics on entropy
  • Explore examples of irreversible adiabatic processes in real-world applications
  • Learn about the differences between isothermal and adiabatic processes
  • Investigate the role of entropy in thermodynamic cycles, such as the Carnot cycle
USEFUL FOR

Students of thermodynamics, physics educators, and professionals in engineering fields seeking to deepen their understanding of entropy and thermodynamic processes.

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Homework Statement



The change in entropy is zero for:
A. reversible adiabatic processes
B. reversible isothermal processes
C. reversible processes during which no work is done
D. reversible isobaric processes
E. all adiabatic processes

Homework Equations



## dS = \frac{dQ}{T} ##

The Attempt at a Solution



The answer here is A.

But intuitively, I don't understand why it is that the entropy is zero only for a reversible adiabatic process.

What is it about irreversible processes that make the entropy increase? Is it that we can't have irreversiable processes that are adiabatic? Any examples to provide that can help me with intuition here?
 
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