Irreversible vs Reversible

[Jessica Esparza 2H]

With respect to external pressure, can anyone explain the difference between an irreversible and reversible expansion?

[Brooke Yasuda 2J]

In an irreversible expansion, the external pressure is not changing. This means that there will be sudden expansion against an external pressure. In contrast, a reversible expansion is occurring when the system is in equilibrium. A very small incremental change in the external pressure causes a slow change in the internal pressure and volume. In a reversible expansion, it is doing the maximum amount of work possible.