## Reversible vs irreversible

$w=-P\Delta V$
and
$w=-\int_{V_{1}}^{V_{2}}PdV=-nRTln\frac{V_{2}}{V_{1}}$

Nancy Le - 1F
Posts: 52
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:07 am

### Reversible vs irreversible

Given an equation, how can you tell if it's reversible or irreversible?

Kelly Kiremidjian 1C
Posts: 62
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:04 am

### Re: Reversible vs irreversible

If a reaction goes in both directions, it is at equilibrium, and therefore it is reversible.

Nancy Le - 1F
Posts: 52
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:07 am

### Re: Reversible vs irreversible

Can you give me an example?

Deborah Cheng 1F
Posts: 50
Joined: Thu Jul 13, 2017 3:00 am

### Re: Reversible vs irreversible

How can you see whether it it goes both ways from the equation though? Could you please clarify?

Angela 1K
Posts: 80
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:05 am

### Re: Reversible vs irreversible

I believe Kelly is talking about the direction of the arrows. If it is a double-sided arrow (like in an equilibrium reaction), it is reversible. If it is one-sided, it is irreversible.