State functions

[Nhat Anh Cao 1C]

What are some other examples of state functions?

[Chem_Mod]

Enthalpy, Entropy, Internal Energy, Potential Energy, etc.

[Kayti Luu 2B]

I understand that in a state function what matters is the initial and final, not the path that it takes, but why isn't heat a state function when enthalpy and enthalpy is a measurement of heat?

[Ronald Yang 2F]

Hey Kayti,

It's because the path heat takes does matter, since heat is a "transfer" of energy. It only exists during a change, not at the beginning and end of a change.

[AngelinaArianaAviles3G]

Hi Kayti,
Heat isn't a state function, it is a path function.
While enthalpy refers to the heat transferred or absorbed in a chemical reaction, it is done so at a constant pressure so the only final and initial are held in to account to calculate the enthalpy of a reaction. Enthalpy is a state property because it can be added.

Also, just as a side note, heat and work are considered the non-state functions. And as professor Lavelle stated, enthalpy, entropy, potential energy, etc. are state functions.