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What is a thermal energy reservoir? Give some examples
Chapter 6, Problem 65C(choose chapter or problem)
Is a reversible expansion or compression process necessarily quasi-equilibrium? Is a quasi-equilibrium expansion or compression process necessarily reversible? Explain.
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
Is a reversible expansion or compression process necessarily quasi-equilibrium? Is a quasi-equilibrium expansion or compression process necessarily reversible? Explain.
ANSWER:
Step 1 of 2
A reversible process is a process that can be reversed without leaving any trace on the surroundings. That is, both the system and the surroundings are returned to their initial states at the end of the reverse process. This is possible only if the net heat and net work exchange between the system and the surroundings is zero. Reversible processes actually do not occur in nature. They are merely idealizations of actual processes. So a reversible expansion or compression process cannot involve unrestrained expansion or sudden compression, and thus it is quasi-equilibrium.