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state functions

Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2018 11:14 pm
by Stephanie tran 1J
why are heat and work not state functions?

Re: state functions

Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2018 11:23 pm
by Felicia Fong 2G
Heat and work are not state functions because they depend on the path taken as well as the intial and final state. State functions do not depend on the path taken.

Re: state functions

Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2018 11:28 pm
by Nisarg Shah 1C
To illustrate with an example, work can't be a state function because it is proportional to the distance travelled or volume generated against an opposing force. So if you move an object from point A to B in a straight line, you do some work. But if you take a different, longer path that winds its way to B, it will take more work to do that even though the final and initial states are the same as if you just moved the object from A to B in a straight line.

Re: state functions

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2018 9:53 pm
by Simrina Desar Dis 1H
The state functions are Enthalpy, Volume, Temperature, Pressure, Density, Heat Capacity, Energy, and Gibbs Free Energy. Work and heat are not state functions.

Re: state functions

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2018 10:13 pm
by Michael Downs 1L
A helpful list!