Scribd
Upload
161 views

CHE201 Assignment 1

A reversible process is one in which a system and its surroundings can return to their original states by traversing the same path in reverse. Examples include the expansion and compression of a spring. An irreversible process is one that cannot return the system and surroundings to their original states, such as chemical reactions or friction. Reversible processes are idealized and can achieve maximum work output, while irreversible processes always increase entropy and dissipate energy through factors like friction or turbulence. Most natural processes are irreversible.

Uploaded by

Syeda Batool
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
161 views

CHE201 Assignment 1

A reversible process is one in which a system and its surroundings can return to their original states by traversing the same path in reverse. Examples include the expansion and compression of a spring. An irreversible process is one that cannot return the system and surroundings to their original states, such as chemical reactions or friction. Reversible processes are idealized and can achieve maximum work output, while irreversible processes always increase entropy and dissipate energy through factors like friction or turbulence. Most natural processes are irreversible.

Uploaded by

Syeda Batool
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Virtual University of Pakistan

Student ID: bc180200878 Name: Syeda Batool Fatima


Course: Physical Chemistry Course Code: CHE201
rd
Bs. Biotechnology 3 Semester, Spring 2019
Assignment # 1

Question: Define, give examples and differentiate between reversible and irreversible
process of thermodynamics.

Thermodynamics:

Introduction:

The word ‘Thermodynamic’ is derived from two Greek words Thermo and dynamics.
Thermo means ‘heat’ and dynamics means ‘power’. It is concerned with energy (particularly
enthalpy), power, work and temperature. It basically covers the macroscopic characteristics of
chemical systems under consideration. It is mainly related to the relationship of temperature with
other properties of the system. Such systems may either be in equilibrium or not.

Thermodynamic process:

Whenever a process takes place the any of the properties like enthalpy temperature volume etc
tend to change. In this regards 2nd law of thermodynamics classify such processes.

2nd law of thermodynamics:

 According to Clausius: A device can’t operate in cycle and is able to transfer heat energy
from cooler body to hotter body without doing any work on itself.
 According to Kelvin-Planck: A device can’t operate in cycle and is able to convert all the
heat energy into mechanical work

Difference between Reversible and Irreversible Processes


Definitions:

Reversible Process Irreversible Process


A process in which a system as well as A process in which system as well as
surroundings if change from initial state to surroundings don’t regain their original state
another state and are able to regain initial at the end or don’t follow the same path.
state at the end following the one and only one
path

State 1 State 2

Same Path
Examples

Reversible Process Irreversible Process


Following processes are somehow reversible  Diffusion
 Expansion and compression of a spring  Chemical reactions
 Frictionless motion  Elasticity free deformation
 Electrolysis  Combustion of wood
It means energy dissipation, disorderness
(entropy), friction and mixing are factors of
irreversibility.

Conditions:
Reversible Process Irreversible Process
 It can’t be approached but if we carry  It can’t be reversed
out the process much steadily  So as the time passes the one particular
 The slope or gradient between two property say heat doesn’t remains in its
variables must be minute original state
 So it should take place in infinite  The heat transfer occurs in a finite
intervals and hence in infinitely small manner across finite temperatures
time period  Therefore two states are not in
 The final and initial states must be in equilibrium with each other
equilibrium with one another

Overview
Reversible Process Irreversible Process
 System reverses in such a manner that  Most of the processes occurring in the
there is no trace left that either it has universe are irreversible since neither
undergone a change in any 100% efficiency can be obtained
thermodynamic property or not. anywhere nor we can have any system
 They can yield maximum amount of without friction or resistance or work.
work, because of the interference of  There is some irreversible work done
some internal thermodynamic property since one particular property operates
along with the external work externally or internally
 Such processes are IDEAL  During the process the entropy of the
 Less turbulence and heat content system increase and it can’t be lessened
remains constant (adiabatic) back into original because of turbulence
Types
Reversible Process Irreversible Process
 Internal Reversibility: If there is no  Internal Irreversibility: Processes in
disturbances within the system’s which dispersal of energy takes place
boundaries and there may be stages of within the system due to some internal
equilibrium within the system, so when factor. For example, free extension,
the states reverse, the system follows viscosity and inertia of gases
the same equilibrium states  External Reversibility: Processes in
 External Reversibility: If there is which dispersal of energy takes place
nothing irreversible outside the system outside the system due to some external
i.e., surroundings during the process. factor. For example, Accelerating car
For example heat transfer from heat faces hindrance while moving because
basin and the system and both of them of the friction of the road.
are in contact with each other and their
surfaces have same temperature

You might also like