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Chapter 18: Problem 4

Why can't an irreversible process be described by a path in a \(p V\) diagram?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Irreversible processes can't be described by a path on a \(p V\) diagram because they go through non-equilibrium states, and each point on a \(p V\) diagram path should represent an equilibrium state of the system.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the \(p V\) Diagram

The \(p V\) diagram is a visual tool used to describe changes within a system. A path on a \(p V\) diagram usually represents a sequence of equilibrium states - i.e., each point on the path corresponds to a well-defined state of the system.
02

Understanding Irreversible Processes

An irreversible process refers to those processes that cannot return to their original state without a change in the surroundings. These types of processes involve non-equilibrium states i.e., the system isn't balanced with its surroundings in the process.
03

Connecting Irreversible Processes to \(p V\) Diagram

As each point on the path in a \(p V\) diagram should represent an equilibrium state of the system, an irreversible process that goes through non-equilibrium states can't be represented by a single well-defined path along the \(p V\) diagram.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Volvo's B5340 engine, used in the V70 series cars, has compression ratio \(10.2,\) and the fuel-air mixture undergoes adiabatic compression with \(\gamma=1.4 .\) If air at \(320 \mathrm{K}\) and atmospheric pressure fills an engine cylinder at its maximum volume, what will be (a) the temperature and (b) the pressure at the point of maximum compression?

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