Question

Explain reversible and irreversible process. Describe the working of Carnot Engine.
Obtain an expression for its efficiency.

Answer 1

Reversible process$:-$ a reversible process is a process whose direction can be 'reversed' by including infinitesimal changes to some property of the system via its surroundings$.$

Irreversible process$:-$ In a science a process that is not reversible is called irreversible$.$ this concept arises frequently in thermodynamics$.$

working of carnot engine$:-$ According to the carnot theorem$,$ the irreversible engine will always have a greater efficiency than the irreversible one$.$

The reversible heat engine operates on a reverse cycleand functions as a heat pump $($or refrigerator$).$ The carnot cycle irreversible representing the upper limit on the efficiency of an engine cycle$.$