Why does reversibility require equilibrium?

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SUMMARY

Reversibility in thermodynamic processes necessitates equilibrium due to the inherent characteristics of irreversible processes, as outlined in Mehran Kerdar's work on statistical mechanics. In irreversible processes, mass, momentum, and heat transfer occur at finite rates, leading to entropy generation within the system. This entropy generation prevents the reversal of these processes without affecting the surroundings. Understanding these principles is crucial for comprehending the limitations of reversibility in thermodynamic systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Statistical mechanics concepts, particularly related to entropy and equilibrium.
  • Understanding of irreversible processes in thermodynamics.
  • Familiarity with mass transfer, momentum transfer, and heat transfer principles.
  • Knowledge of Boltzmann's H theorem and its implications in statistical mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Boltzmann's H theorem and its relevance to entropy and reversibility.
  • Explore the principles of irreversible thermodynamics and their applications.
  • Research the role of entropy generation in mass, momentum, and heat transfer processes.
  • Examine case studies on the effects of finite rates in thermodynamic systems.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focused on thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, as well as researchers interested in the principles of reversibility and equilibrium in physical systems.

member 743765
my question is short simply why reversibility requires equilibrium?
 
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What research have you done about this question? Can you post links to your reading that led to this question? Thanks.
 
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berkeman said:
What research have you done about this question? Can you post links to your reading that led to this question? Thanks.
I was studying mehran kerdarbook on statistical mechanics of particles
 
In irreversible processes, transport of mass, momentum and heat occur at finite rates, and these cannot be reversed for the system without also bringing about a net change in the surroundings. Mass transfer involves diffusion at finite rates. Momentum transfer involves viscous dissipation of mechanical energy to internal energy and involves finite viscous stresses at finite deformation rates. Heat Transfer involves heat conduction at finite temperature gradients. All of these involve entropy generation within the system, rather than entropy transport via heat flow across the boundary of the system.
 
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Chestermiller said:
In irreversible processes, transport of mass, momentum and heat occur at finite rates, and these cannot be reversed for the system without also bringing about a net change in the surroundings. Mass transfer involves diffusion at finite rates. Momentum transfer involves viscous dissipation of mechanical energy to internal energy and involves finite viscous stresses at finite deformation rates. Heat Transfer involves heat conduction at finite temperature gradients. All of these involve entropy generation within the system, rather than entropy transport via heat flow across the boundary of the system.
Where can I learn about boltzmann's H theorem?
 
I don’t even know what that is.
 
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