Irreversible vs. Reversible Work Functions

[Sean Phen]

What is the difference between irreversible and reversible work functions?

[Tanya Nguyen 1B]

A reversible work is when there is an infinitely small change in a variable, which could be external pressure, you would use the equation w = nRTln(v2/v1). Irreversible work is when a variable does not go through infinitely small changes, so you would use the equation w = -P△V.

[Laura 3l]

A reversible work is when there is an infinitely small change in a variable, which could be external pressure, you would use the equation w = nRTln(v2/v1). Irreversible work is when a variable does not go through infinitely small changes, so you would use the equation w = -P△V.

This is helpful, thanks!

[Kiara Phillips 3L]

Reversible- The system and its environment can return to exactly the states they were in by following the reverse path.
Irreversible- The system and its environment cannot return together to exactly the states that they were in.

[Kiara Phillips 3L]

Reversible- The system and its environment can return to exactly the states they were in by following the reverse path.
Irreversible- The system and its environment cannot return together to exactly the states that they were in.

[Rose_Malki_3G]

Reversible work functions occur when the external pressure and internal pressure are very close in value and the system is essentially in equilibrium. For an irreversible reaction the external pressure is much less than the internal pressure so the process expands quickly.

[Lorena_Morales_1K]

A reversible process is one in which both the system and its environment can return to exactly the states they were in by following the reverse path. An irreversible process is one in which the system and its environment cannot return together to exactly the states that they were in.