12: Fundamental 10 - Processes
- Page ID
- 238591
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- 12.1: Reversible and Irreversible Pathways
- It is convenient to use the work of expansion to exemplify the difference between work that is done reversibly and that which is done irreversibly. The example of expansion against a constant external pressure is an example of an irreversible pathway. It does not mean that the gas cannot be re-compressed. It does, however, mean that there is a definite direction of spontaneous change at all points along the expansion.