why do so many thermodynamic processes happen in one direction but never the reverse?

Chemistry: Matter and Change
1st Edition
ISBN:9780078746376
Author:Dinah Zike, Laurel Dingrando, Nicholas Hainen, Cheryl Wistrom
Publisher:Dinah Zike, Laurel Dingrando, Nicholas Hainen, Cheryl Wistrom
Chapter15: Energy And Chemical Change
Section15.2: Heat
Problem 20SSC
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why do so many thermodynamic processes happen in one direction but never the reverse?

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There are two types of thermodynamic process based on the reversibility of the process- irreversible and reversible.

When the process occurs spontaneously in a single direction, it is known as irreversible processes whereas when the system is in equilibrium with the surroundings and the process can reversibly occur in both directions, it is known as the reversible process.  

 

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