State Properties

[906023369]

What is an example of something that is not a state property?

[Isabella Stehlin 1G]

Hi, two examples of state properties would be work and heat, since they depend on the path taken.

[Dylan Cho 3H]

Hello,

A state property is one whose value is determined by its current state, meaning that only the initial and final states are considered. Basically, this boils down to the idea that state properties don't rely on the path taken to obtain that state. Something wouldn't be a state property if it DID depend on the path it takes. For example, the distance you take to walk to a park isn't a state property since it relies on which path you take to it (i.e: you could walk there directly, you could travel around the world and then walk there, etc)

Hope this helps! :)

[Stephanie Rodas 2C]

Both heat and work are not examples of state functions. Work is not because it's proportional to whatever object is being moved and the value depends on the path followed. Heat also is not a state function because its not an intrinsic property.

[Jessica_Lin_1J]

Hello! It might also help to be able to visualize what it means to be a state property and not. In Professor Lavelle's 1/25/23 lecture, he brings up a great visual analogy of taking a trail to reach a higher altitude on a mountain. In this example, taking a direct path and one that has a detour to the destination does not require the same amount of work. Both work and heat depend on the path taken, not the state's current property, whereas energy, pressure, volume, density, temperature, and heat capacity are state properties!