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Which of the following is not a reversible process ?

A. Expansion of an ideal gas against constant pressure

B. Atmospheric pressure vaporisation of water at 100°C

C. Solution of NaCl in water at 50°C

D. None of these

Answer: Option C

Solution (By Examveda Team)

Since the entropy of mixing is positive we can say the mixing process or solution formation process is an irreversible process.

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Comments (1)

  1. Atanu Chatterjee
    Atanu Chatterjee:
    6 months ago

    Let's carefully analyze each option to determine which process is not reversible:

    🔹 A. Expansion of an ideal gas against constant pressure
    This involves expansion against a finite external pressure.

    For a process to be reversible, the driving force (like pressure difference) must be infinitesimally small.

    Expansion against constant pressure is a classic example of an irreversible process.

    ✅ This is NOT a reversible process.

    🔹 B. Atmospheric pressure vaporisation of water at 100°C
    At 100°C and 1 atm, water boils at equilibrium.

    If done infinitely slowly, this can be reversible (e.g., in a reversible Carnot engine).
    ✅ This can be reversible.

    🔹 C. Solution of NaCl in water at 50°C
    The dissolution of NaCl can be modeled as a reversible process under ideal and equilibrium conditions.
    ✅ This can be reversible.

    🔹 D. None of these
    This would be correct only if all options were reversible.

    But A is definitely not reversible.

    ✅ Correct answer: A. Expansion of an ideal gas against constant pressure

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