How does a reversible process differ from an irreversible one

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Detailed Solution

The key distinctions are about entropy generation, equilibrium, and whether the system and surroundings can be restored to their initial states.

Key Differences

Restoration:
- Reversible: Both system and surroundings can be returned to their exact initial states; no net change anywhere.
- Irreversible: Even if the system is forced back, the surroundings are changed (e.g., heat dumped, entropy created).
Total entropy change:
- Reversible: ΔS_universe = 0
- Irreversible: ΔS_universe > 0 (Second Law)
Equilibrium and speed:
- Reversible: Quasistatic (infinitely slow), passes through equilibrium states; can be reversed by an infinitesimal change.
- Irreversible: Finite-rate, non-equilibrium gradients (pressure, temperature, concentration) exist.
Dissipation:
- Reversible: No dissipative effects (friction, viscosity, electrical resistance, inelasticity).
- Irreversible: Real processes always have dissipation; some work degrades to heat irrecoverably.