State functions

[Abigail Menchaca_1H]

What is the importance of state functions in a system?

[KarineKim2L]

When something is a state function, the value of it does not depend on the pathway of the reaction. For example, since enthalpy is a state function, we do not have to worry about the intermediates of the reaction to find the change in enthalpy, but can simply find the change in enthalpy by viewing the reactants and the products.

[Kaylee Sepulveda 4G]

State functions are properties whose value does not depend on the path taken to reach that specific value. Some examples are internal energy, enthalpy, and entropy. However, things like heat and work aren't state functions, because they depend on the path taken from the initial to the final values.

[TarynD_1I]

State functions can be added or subtracted, which allows us to calculate changes in values of the system

[Juana Abana 1G]

State functions are properties whose value does not depend on the path taken to reach that specific value. Some examples are internal energy, enthalpy, and entropy. However, things like heat and work aren't state functions, because they depend on the path taken from the initial to the final values.

Work+and+heat+are+not+state+functions.jpg

Thank you this is very helpful.

[Joanne Lee 1J]

A state function is a property where the value does not depend on the path taken to reach that specific value. Therefore, state functions can be added or subtracted to find the answer.

[Caroline Beecher 2H]

State functions and properties are important for use in thermochemistry problems because their value is determined by its current state and is not dependent on the path taken to obtain that state.

[205291012]

State functions are important because the path taken to get to the final value does not matter. State functions only depend on the current state. So for enthalpy, you can start with ice and melt it and then cool it and then melt it again and the final enthalpy will still be the same. However, work would not be a state property because the path taken matters. Depending on the path taken, the value for work done can vary.
Think of taking two different paths (path A and path B) on a mountain from point X A to point Y. The final change in altitude will still be the same no matter what path you take. This is a state function. However, if path A is longer than path B, then work done in path A will be more. Therefore work done is not a state function as its value depends on the path taken.