Question 11: What are the conditions for a process to be reversible?

ANSWER

A process that can be exactly retraced in the reverse order without producing any changes in the surrounding is said to be a reversible process.

Following are the conditions for a process to be reversible;

1. All the processes (compressions, expansions etc.) taking place in the cycle must be infinitely slow.
2. The working substance must be passing through the same stages as in the direct process.
3. There should be complete absence of forces of friction.
4. There should be no loss of energy due to conduction, radiation or convection during the cycle.
5. At any stage of the process, the pressure and temperature must not significantly differ from the surrounding.