Reversible Process

[Robert Tran 1B]

What is the meaning of a reversible process and what are the implications of it having an infinitesimal changes?

[Ipsita Srinivas 1K]

A reversible process is a process where even a small change can cause either work to be done on the system, or by it. In the examples we've learnt, the reversible process is the expansion of a gas under constant temperature, but changing pressure. The external pressure applied on the system is always equal to the gas's pressure. In such a scenario, if the external pressure is increased even a little, the gas will move inward (compress) and work will be done on the system (by the external pressure). This is also why intuitively it should make sense that a reversible process such the above expansion is the maximum work done by the system.