## Isothermal Irreversible Expansion

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

Curtis Tam 1J
Posts: 105
Joined: Thu Jul 13, 2017 3:00 am

### Isothermal Irreversible Expansion

Is it possible to have an isothermal IRREVERSIBLE expansion? I know that for an isothermal reversible expansion, work done on the surroundings is replaced by heat slowly. However, for an irreversible expansion, I know the expansion is fast but technically can it still be isothermal if enough heat is eventually given to the system to restore the energy lost by work?

905022356
Posts: 48
Joined: Mon Oct 02, 2017 7:19 am

### Re: Isothermal Irreversible Expansion

Yes! absolutely. If the system expands fast, and the energy lost by work is replaced by heat, you can have an isothermal reversible expansion. Take in mind that, reversible expansion will do more work overall however (the area under the curve is larger).

Curtis Tam 1J
Posts: 105
Joined: Thu Jul 13, 2017 3:00 am

### Re: Isothermal Irreversible Expansion

melinatesoro wrote:Yes! absolutely. If the system expands fast, and the energy lost by work is replaced by heat, you can have an isothermal reversible expansion. Take in mind that, reversible expansion will do more work overall however (the area under the curve is larger).

You mean isothermal irreversible expansion right?

905022356
Posts: 48
Joined: Mon Oct 02, 2017 7:19 am

### Re: Isothermal Irreversible Expansion

Sorry! Yes, absolutely, I meant Irreversible expansion.