## Reversible and irreversible process

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

Hannah_1G
Posts: 100
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:22 am

### Reversible and irreversible process

Can someone explain what this means in terms of expansion? How can work be irreversible?

Justin Sarquiz 2F
Posts: 106
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2019 12:15 am

### Re: Reversible and irreversible process

If a reaction is reversible, then the problem will state that it is reversible or that the reaction is at equilibrium. I think a reaction must be at a constant temperature because if temperature is not constant, then this changes the equilibrium constant. Therefore, we have to use the work equation w=-nRT ln V2/V1 if the reaction is reversible. Hope that helps

Connor Chappell 2B
Posts: 59
Joined: Wed Feb 20, 2019 12:16 am

### Re: Reversible and irreversible process

Basically, a reversible process is one in which the pressure of the system is equal to that of the surroundings. THIS HAS IMPLICATIONS when we describe the system using thermodynamics. When pressure is equal in a system and its surroudings, any infinitesimally small change in either the internal or external pressure will result in the equal and reverse infinitesimal reaction by the process (i.e. expansion or compression). This is also the reasoning behind why a reversible process does the most work.