Difference between revisions of "Reversible process"
From Conservapedia
Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
Alternatively, a reversible process is one that can be reversed without changing the system or its surroundings. | Alternatively, a reversible process is one that can be reversed without changing the system or its surroundings. | ||
− | + | In contrast, an example of an [[irreversible process]] is the puncturing of a car tire. It is impossible to put the air back in the tire and patch it up without dissipating energy or changing the tire and the surroundings. Another example of an [[irreversible process]] is the melting of ice. The water can be refrozen but not in the same form as the original ice. |
Revision as of 15:11, February 2, 2007
A reversible process is a process that can be reversed through tiny changes, without a dissipation of energy. This is a useful concept in thermodynamics.
Alternatively, a reversible process is one that can be reversed without changing the system or its surroundings.
In contrast, an example of an irreversible process is the puncturing of a car tire. It is impossible to put the air back in the tire and patch it up without dissipating energy or changing the tire and the surroundings. Another example of an irreversible process is the melting of ice. The water can be refrozen but not in the same form as the original ice.