Difference between reversible and irreversible process

A reversible process is a process the system can be is thermodynamic equilibrium, while in the irreversible process is a thermodynamic process that cannot be reversed in order to obtain the initial state of a system. So here this article gives information about the main key difference between the reversible and irreversible processes to better understand this topic.

What is a reversible process?

In a reversible process, the series of changes carried out on the system during that is the transformation from initial to the final state may be possibly reversed in an exact manner.

What is an irreversible process?

An irreversible process is one that cannot be retracted to the initial state without making a permanent change in the surrounding. Many of the spontaneous processes and systems are irreversible in nature.

Difference between reversible and irreversible process:

• A reversible process is carried out infinitesimally slowly, while in irreversible is carried out rapidly.
• The reversible process takes infinite time for completion, while the irreversible process takes a finite time for completion.
• A reversible process is a process that can be reversed in order to obtain the initial state of a system, while in the irreversible process is a thermodynamic process that cannot be reversed in order to obtain the initial state of a system.
• Reversible at any stage, the equilibrium is not disturbed, while in irreversible equilibrium may exist only after the completion of the process.
• Work obtained in this process is maximum while an irreversible process work obtained is no maximum. 
• The reversible process can be reversed, the irreversible process cannot e reversed.
• A reversible process is an equilibrium between the initial stage and the final state of the system, Irreversible process there is no equilibrium in the system.
• A reversible process can be made to proceed in a forward or backward direction. The irreversible process can take place in one direction only.
• Work done in a reversible process is greater than the corresponding work done in an irreversible process, while in work done in an irreversible process is always lower than the same kind of work done in a reversible process.