Reversible and Irreversible

[Mary Becerra 2D]

What makes a reaction reversible versus irreversible? Also, what relevance would this have when considering how to solve a problem with the condition of reversible/irreversible?

[Scott Chin_1E]

I think this has something to do with equilibrium. If an reaction is at equilibrium, the the reaction is reversible and if the reaction is not at equilibrium, the the reaction is not reversible.

Is there another, better way to explain this? Or is this correct? This is what I've gathered from the last few lectures.

[Jaewoo Jo 2L]

the question would tell you that the reaction is hypothetically reversible and irreversible so we need to solve for both and compare how much energy was used or released. Also, this is relevant because the irreversible reaction requires or releases less energy than reversible ones.

[Angel Ni 2K]

For irreversible reactions, w=-(Pext)(deltaV). For reversible reactions, w=-nRTln(v2/v1).

[Daniel Vo 1B]

Reversible reactions won't be on the first test, will they?