What is a reversible process?

摘要

The definitions of reversible processes given in introductory physics books are found to be vague and misleading. An operational definition suitable for introductory texts is presented that avoids these problems. It stresses that to properly describe reversible processes, the second law of thermodynamics must be used. The constancy of entropy, which defines a reversible process, also distinguishes reversible processes from quasi-static processes. (c) 2007 American Association of Physics Teachers.