## Reversible vs Isothermal

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

Abigail Yap 2K
Posts: 51
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:07 am

### Reversible vs Isothermal

Can someone please clarify the definitions of and differences between reversible and isothermal expansion? Thanks!

Angel Ni 2K
Posts: 50
Joined: Sat Jul 22, 2017 3:01 am

### Re: Reversible vs Isothermal

A reversible isothermal reaction is one in which the volume changes slowly at a constant temperature. There is no heat transfer, so q=0, so deltaU=w.

Julia Ward 2C
Posts: 27
Joined: Wed Nov 16, 2016 3:03 am

### Re: Reversible vs Isothermal

I believe that a reversible expansion is when the change in pressure is infinitesimal so that the Pinternal~Pexternal and the V change is also infinitesimal. A isothermal expansion is an expansion with constant temperature.

Katelyn 2E
Posts: 35
Joined: Sat Jul 22, 2017 3:01 am

### Re: Reversible vs Isothermal

Just to be clear, Dr. Lavelle said this wouldn't be on this week's test right?