reversibility, in thermodynamics, a characteristic of certain processes (changes of a system from an initial state to a final state spontaneously or as a result of interactions with other systems) that can be reversed, and the system restored to its initial state, without leaving net effects in any of the systems ...

What is reversibility and irreversibility in thermodynamics?

Reversibility means the reaction operates continuously at quasiequilibrium. ... Irreversible processes, on the other hand, are a result of straying away from the curve, therefore decreasing the amount of overall work done; an irreversible process can be described as a thermodynamic process that departs from equilibrium.

Why is reversibility a basic concept of thermodynamics?

A thermodynamic process is reversible if the process can return back in such a that both the system and the surroundings return to their original states, with no other change anywhere else in the universe. It means both system and surroundings are returned to their initial states at the end of the reverse process.

What is the condition of reversibility?

Conditions for Reversibility : 1. The substance undergoing a reversible change must at all instances be in thermodynamic equilibrium with its surroundings. It means the pressure and temperatures of the working substance must never differ appreciably from its surroundings at any stage of the cycle of operation.

Why is reversibility important?

Reversibility means that an athlete can lose the effects of training when they stop, and can gain the effects when they begin to train again. Detraining occurs within a relatively short time period after an athlete ceases to train. ... But when the athlete returns to training, the rate of strength acquisition is high.

Reversibility & Irreversibility: Crash Course Engineering #8

43 related questions found

What are the main causes of reversibility?

After athletes stop their workout routines and enter into a detraining period, reversibility occurs rather quickly.
...
'' There are several reasons an athlete may quit working out and go into detraining:

• Illness.
• Injury.
• Lack of motivation.
• Other time commitments.
• Prohibitive costs for certain sports.
• Travel commitments.
• Weather.

What are reversible and irreversible?

Reversible Changes – This is when materials can be changed back to how they were before the reaction took place. E.g. When ice melts to form water. It could be frozen back to ice again. 2. Irreversible Changes – This is when materials cannot be changed back to how they were before.

Who discovered the principle of reversibility?

Principle of microscopic reversibility, principle formulated about 1924 by the American scientist Richard C. Tolman that provides a dynamic description of an equilibrium condition.

What is the difference between cyclic and reversible process?

A cyclic process is a thermodynamic process in which the system comes back to the initial state. A reversible process is a process that can be reversed in order to obtain the initial state of a system.

What is difference between reversible and irreversible process?

A reversible process is a change that can be retraced in a reverse (opposite) direction. An irreversible process is a change that cannot be retraced in a reverse (opposite) direction. ... Reversible changes are very slow and there is no loss of any energy in the process.

What is principle of reversibility of light?

The principle of reversibility states that light follows the same path if the direction of light is reversed. The refractive index of light when it passes from the first medium to the second medium is the same as the refractive index of light when it goes from second medium to the first medium.

What is an irreversible process in thermodynamics?

Irreversible processes are actual processes carried out in finite time with real substances with internal temperature, pressure, and/or velocity changes causing energy dissipation, such as viscous dissipation. From: Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics (Fourth Edition), 2019.

Is reversible process cyclic?

Ans: All the processes which are cyclic are reversible but not all reversible processes are cyclic. In a process which is cyclic the system needs to follow the complete cycle to reach the initial state. Thus, the cycles which are reversible are those in which the system can follow the exact same path backwards.

What is a reversible heat engine?

The reverse heat engine is a device that transfers energy from an object at a lower temperature to an object at a higher temperature by doing work on the system. ... Refrigerators are reverse heat engines that pump energy out of the inside of the fridge and into the surrounding area by the way of an electric motor.

What is an example of principle of reversibility?

For example: Your strength diminishes, you become less aerobically fit, your flexibility decreases, etc. This can happen in a relatively short time after you stop training, which can be frustrating.

How do you use the law of reversibility?

The Law of Reversibility says that “If you feel a certain way, you will act in a manner consistent with that feeling.” But if you act in a manner consistent with that feeling, even if you don't feel it, the Law of Reversibility will create the feeling that is consistent with your actions.

What does reversibility mean with respect to premises?

Reversibility in a system means the possibility of reverting the last performed action. ... Intuitively, the definition says that, in a concurrent system, any action can be undone provided that all of its consequences, if any, are undone beforehand.

Is freezing reversible?

Freezing is a reversible change. For example you can freeze juice to make ice lollies. The lollies can be changed back into juice by heating.

Is a candle reversible or irreversible?

Burning of a candle is an irreversible change because once the candle melts, the wax cannot be molded again.

What is reversible and irreversible change with example?

The freezing of ice and the melting of wax are examples of reversible change. Irreversible Change--A change that cannot be reversed is called an irreversible change. The burning of wood and rusting of iron are examples of irreversible change.

Why is heat transfer irreversible?

Suppose a certain amount of energy Q is transferred as heat from a body at constant temperature to a body at constant temperature . Because of the finite temperature difference between the two interacting bodies, the energy transfer is an irreversible process.

How do you identify a reversible and irreversible process in thermodynamics?

Reversible Process: when every step for the system and its surroundings can be reversed. A reversible process involves a series of equilibrium states. Irreversible Process - when the direction of the arrow of time is important. IRREVERSIBILITY DEFINES THE CONCEPT OF TIME.

Why free expansion is irreversible?

Heat has been transferred to the surroundings increasing its entropy. Thus there is a positive total entropy change of the universe (system + surroundings) making the entire process irreversible.

What is Huygens principle?

Huygens' principle states that every point on a wave front may be considered as a source of secondary waves. The word interference is used to describe the superposition of two waves, whereas diffraction is interference produced by several waves.