state functions

$\Delta U=q+w$

Stephanie tran 1J
Posts: 50
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:04 am

state functions

why are heat and work not state functions?

Felicia Fong 2G
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Jul 22, 2017 3:00 am

Re: state functions

Heat and work are not state functions because they depend on the path taken as well as the intial and final state. State functions do not depend on the path taken.

Nisarg Shah 1C
Posts: 54
Joined: Sat Jul 22, 2017 3:00 am

Re: state functions

To illustrate with an example, work can't be a state function because it is proportional to the distance travelled or volume generated against an opposing force. So if you move an object from point A to B in a straight line, you do some work. But if you take a different, longer path that winds its way to B, it will take more work to do that even though the final and initial states are the same as if you just moved the object from A to B in a straight line.

Simrina Desar Dis 1H
Posts: 49
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:04 am

Re: state functions

The state functions are Enthalpy, Volume, Temperature, Pressure, Density, Heat Capacity, Energy, and Gibbs Free Energy. Work and heat are not state functions.

Michael Downs 1L
Posts: 29
Joined: Thu Jul 13, 2017 3:00 am