15.4 Thermodynamic Processes

Reversible Process

If a system is taken from one state to another and can be brought back to the initial state then the process is called reversibility. The change from initial to final state should obviously proceed through the infinitesimal changes, each being a quasi-static state of equilibrium.

Some examples are changes in a gas through isochoric, isothermal or adiabatic changes.

Irreversible Process

If a system is taken from one state to another but cannot be brought back to the same initial state then the process is called irreversible process.

Some examples are free expansion of a gas; dissipation of energy due to friction or the mixing of two gases or liquids etc.

Index

15.1 The Zeroth Law
15.2 The First Law
15.3 Work done and Some applications of First Law
15.4 Thermodynamic Processes
15.5 Carnot Cycle
15.6 The Second Law
15.7 Entropy

  Chapter 16