# Are the expression for work: $W=0$ (for isochoric) and $W=p \Delta V$ (for isobaric) right also for irreversible processes?

I'm quite confused about isochoric and isobaric irreversible processes, and, in particular, the doubt is about work W in such processes.

If the processes is reversible (that is I can write $d W= p dV$) I have no problem in saying that

• In a isochoric process $W=0$, since $dV=0$.
• In a isobaric process $W=p(V_b-V_a)$ since $\int p dV=p \int dV$.

In other words, in both cases I can be sure that work is a state function (and, in particular, in isochoric is zero).

The problem is: I find in different textbooks that the previous expression for $W$ are used also in the cases of irreversible processes.

But in my view this is not correct because, to reach those conclusions about work it is fundamental to use $d W= p dV$, which holds true iff the process is reversible.

So are the previous relations correctly or incorrectly used in the case of irreveresibility?

If so, can you suggest me any book/source that talks about canonical processes (isobaric, isochoric in particular) without saying that for any isochoric and isobaric process (irreversible or not) the previous ones are the expressions of work?

• Work is not a state function. For example, if I give you $(p, V, T)$ can you tell me the work? Think about the distinction. Keep in mind that work (and heat) are quantities of energy that enter or leave the system during a process. – garyp Aug 3 '16 at 19:04
• I'm wondering why do you have problem when the process is irreversible. Is there any reason? – user115350 Aug 3 '16 at 22:47

An isochoric process is by definition when $dV=0$ irrespective of being reversible or irreversible. Whether $\delta W = pdV$ depends on what you mean by $p$. If by $p$ you mean the external pressure then it is true irrespective of the nature of the process, and then you can say that $\delta W$ is the external work, that is the work done by external forces on the system that has suffered volume change $dV$. If by $p$ you mean the internal pressure, even if it is homogeneous across the system, then the equation holds when the process is reversible, and does not hold if it is irreversible.