What is an example of a state function?
Is enthalpy or entropy a state function?
State functions?
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Re: State functions?
Yes entropy, enthalpy and Gibb's free energy are all examples of state functions in that they do not depend on the pathway, and instead only rely on the initial and final values. It is important to note that Cell potential (E) is NOT a state function, so if we need to add the values together, we need to convert to G, add the G's together and then convert back to E.
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Re: State functions?
It is important to know the difference between state functions and those that aren't state functions. Entropy and enthalpy are state functions while heat and work are not.
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Re: State functions?
Clarissa Molina 1D wrote:Why are heat and work not state functions?
G H and S are all quantities of energy (in the form of heat or disorder) contained within a compound. Work and heat are CHANGES in energy. How you change energy depends on the PATH.
your altitude on a mountain = state function = G H S
how you got to the top (path) = path dependent = W and q
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Re: State functions?
They're both state functions. Because of that you can add their quantities together to get a total or final entropy or enthalpy.
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Re: State functions?
Both are classified as state functions. Gibbs Free Energy is also a state function.
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