What Can You Expect at the Time of an Irreversible Process

Thermodynamic processes are divided into two groups–irreversible and reversible processes. Irreversible processes are those that cannot be undone after they have begun. In other words, after the process, the system and its surroundings cannot recover to or maintain its initial state. This usually occurs naturally, and thus, these operations are also referred to as natural processes. Combustion, heat exchange, energy-burning, mass exchange, etc., are general irreversible processes.

Irreversible Processes

As defined by thermodynamics, an irreversible process is one that cannot be reversed or return a system and its environment to their original condition. They are unregulated and arise naturally, though they are also regarded as natural processes. A car, for example, burns a lot more fuel while driving up a downhill slope. However, this fuel will come back when you return. Combustion occurs here as a result of fuel combustion. It is impossible to reverse it, implying that combustion is an irreversible process. Moreover, after the total power of the processes and its reservoir (entropy) rises to a positive value, a physical process is thermodynamically irreversible. Some examples are friction, uncontrolled expansion, inseparable mixtures, and irreversible heat transfer.

What Happens During an Irreversible Process?

Irreversible processes are natural processes. Several dynamics and characteristics can be observed during the process. These can include:

• Dramatic pressure changes

• The transfer of heat

• The intermixing of two inseparable chemicals.

Irreversible processes are those which do not demand an infinite period of time to conduct. However, due to the unregulated nature of the forwarding process, heat exchange is reversed through a set temperature. Any tiny changes in external systems will not influence the process’s course. Moreover, considerable changes will take place in a short period of time. There will be heat and mass transfer during the process. After the process is finished, the object or body will not be able to return to its initial state.   

Processes of Different Irreversibilities 

There are two types of irreversible processes. They are external irreversibility and internal irreversibility. Let’s discuss both.

• External Irreversibility

It is the sort of irreversibility where the dissipation of energy occurs outside of the system due to the system itself. This dissipating energy is primarily produced or not used during the process. Mechanical resistance arises in the method owing to an external source.

• Internal Irreversibility

It is the opposite of external irreversibility. Here, dissipation takes place inside the system. Free expansion of the gas is one example of internal irreversibility.

Examples of Irreversible Processes

Combustion, heat exchange, energy-burning, mass exchange, etc., are general irreversible processes. Other examples include:

• Diffusion

• Throttling 

• Plastic distortion

• Heat transmission

• The relative movement to friction

• Spontaneous chemical reactions

• The uncontrolled movement of fluids

• The flow of electric charge via a resistance

• Magnetisation or polarisation with a hysteresis

Conclusion

Thermodynamic processes are divided into two groups–irreversible and reversible processes. Irreversible processes are those that cannot be undone after they have begun. These operations are also referred to as natural processes. Combustion, heat exchange, energy-burning, mass exchange, etc., are general irreversible processes. Other examples of irreversible processes include diffusion, plastic distortion, and spontaneous chemical reactions.