Reversible vs Irreversible

[306250289]

Is the formula, w= -P∆V only used if the reaction is irreversible?
And is w= -nRT ln V2/V1 only used for when it is irreversible and isothermic?

[raina_bandekar_1G]

The first equation is used for irreversible expansion (when pressure is constant). The second equation is used when there is a reversible expansion in isothermal conditions.

[Rishika_Kanaparthy_1G]

The formula w = -PΔV is typically used for reversible processes, where the pressure (P) remains constant. It represents the work done by or on the system as it undergoes a change in volume ΔV against an external pressure (P).

On the other hand, the formula w = -nRTln(V2/V1) is used specifically for reversible, isothermal expansions of ideal gases. It accounts for the work done during an isothermal expansion Δ V of an ideal gas at constant temperature (T) and number of moles (n).

For irreversible processes, other methods may be used to calculate work, and the appropriate formulas depend on the specific conditions of the process.