## reversible vs irreversible

$\Delta S = \frac{q_{rev}}{T}$

Mariane Sanchez 1E
Posts: 57
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:07 am

### reversible vs irreversible

im still confused as to how reversible and irreversible process work in thermodynamics? can someone please explain the concepts and how they relate with entropy?

Deap Bhandal L1 S1J
Posts: 77
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:05 am
Been upvoted: 2 times

### Re: reversible vs irreversible

I can explain part of your question. Basically work is being done in a reversible process but not for an irreversible process. When work is being done, q(surr) exists therefore entropy change of the surroundings does too. This will usually equal the entropy change of the system making total entropy change 0. In an irreversible process no work is done so q(surr) = 0 therefore change in S of surroundings is 0 as well. This means delta S system equals delta S total.

Matthew Lin 2C
Posts: 30
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:06 am

### Re: reversible vs irreversible

Work can certainly be done in both reversible and irreversible processes, but more work is done in reversible processes. Work and entropy relate through the equation deltaS=-w/T.

804899546
Posts: 51
Joined: Sat Jul 22, 2017 3:00 am

### Re: reversible vs irreversible

Agree with Matthew above, work is definitely done in an irreversible process, it's just much smaller as the changes in the volume are much smaller than those in a reversible process, and occurs much more slowly.