A reversible process: one that can be changed in either direction by an
infinitesimal change in a variable. The maximum work from a spontaneous
process is obtained only if the work is carried out reversibly.
In most real processes, work is performed irreversibly; thus,
maximum work is not obtained; some free energy is lost to
the surroundings as heat and is thus unavailable to do work.
A reaction at equilibrium cannot do work.
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