State Function

[Zenita Leang 2K]

I still don't really have a clear understanding of what a state function is. Can someone define it and explain why work is not a state function?

[Nathaniel 2E]

A state function is a property whose value does not depend on the path taken to reach that specific value.

Temperature is a state function because the path of temperature changes doesn't change the final temperature (Heating water by 5 degrees vs heating water by 7 degrees and then cooling it by 2 degrees, Both waters will be the same temperature and identical)

Work can't be a state function because it is proportional to the distance an object is moved, which depends on the path used to go from the initial to the final state. Like Prof. Lavelle showed us in class with the mountain example, the hikers taking the different paths arrived at the same end point and started at the same initial point, but some hikers did more work than others because their route was longer.

[Rimsha Hussaini 1A]

A state property is one whose value is determined by its current state. It is not dependent on the path taken to obtain that state. Work does depend on the path taken and is related to the change in energy when a system moves from one state to another. Therefore, work is not a state property.

[Samantha Ito 2E]

A state function is a property whose value does not depend on the path taken to go from the initial to the final state(Ex: enthalpy). Work is not a state function because work is quantified based on the pathway it takes.

[Hannah Yates 1K]

What isn’t a state function? Can someone give an example?

[Brayan Claros]

A state function is a property in which the value does not rely on the course taken to go from the initial to the final state like enthalpy. Work is not a state function because work depends on which path it has taken.

[005199302]

A state function only depends on the initial and final states - the path from getting form one to the other does not affect its value. Heat is an example of something that is not a state function.

[Anna O 2C]

Work is dependent on its transition from its final to initial stage so it cannot be considered a state functions in the way enthalpy can.

[josephperez_2C]

State functions are "variables" that define the state of a system

[Simmi Diwanji 2B]

A state function just refers to a property that is independent of the path it takes to get to that value. For example, the length of a hike up a mountain is dependent on the path you take, so it is a path function, whereas the altitude is the same regardless, so it is a state function.

[Ricardo Martin 1J]

A state function is a property that does not rely on the path taken from the initial state to the final state.