Is Energy a state function?
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Esin Gumustekin 2J
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Andrea ORiordan 1L
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Re: Is Energy a state function?
It depends.
If you're asking if internal energy is a state function, then yes. We can add up changes in internal energy to find the total change in internal energy-- it does not depend on the path taken.
If you're asking about enthalpy, also yes. We see that in Hess's law, bond enthalpies, and enthalpies of formation.
If you're asking about work, then no. Work depends on the path taken. Raising something above your head and then back down to your waist is more work than just raising something to your waist.
Entropy and Gibb's free energy are also state functions.
If you're asking if internal energy is a state function, then yes. We can add up changes in internal energy to find the total change in internal energy-- it does not depend on the path taken.
If you're asking about enthalpy, also yes. We see that in Hess's law, bond enthalpies, and enthalpies of formation.
If you're asking about work, then no. Work depends on the path taken. Raising something above your head and then back down to your waist is more work than just raising something to your waist.
Entropy and Gibb's free energy are also state functions.
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