Which of the following correctly describes irreversible processes?
**Reversibility** reversible process can be reversed by infinitesimal change, no entropy production, quasi-static without friction, e.g., Carnot cycle reversible, irreversible processes involve friction, free expansion, heat transfer across finite temperature difference, entropy increases, most real processes irreversible. Irreversible processes (e.g., free expansion) involve non-equilibrium states or dissipation (e.g., friction), common in nature due to real-world losses. Option B is correct. Using first law ΔU = Q - W, W = ∫ P dV, isobaric W = P ΔV, isothermal W = n R T ln(V₂/V₁), adiabatic P V^γ = const and η = 1 - T_c/T_h, evaluation yields They involve dissipative effects, consistent with thermodynamic laws and energy conservation.
Ref: NCERT > Physics Book > Thermodynamics > Cyclic Processes and Reversibility Concepts