Are work and heat both state functions?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking to verify the statement if work and heat are state functions. A state function is a property of a system that depends only on the current state of the system, not on the path taken to reach that state.
Answer
No, heat and work are not state functions.
No, neither heat nor work are state functions. Their values depend on the path taken during a process, not just the initial and final states.
Answer for screen readers
No, neither heat nor work are state functions. Their values depend on the path taken during a process, not just the initial and final states.
More Information
A state function is a property of a system that depends only on the current state of the system, not on the path taken to reach that state. Examples of state functions include internal energy, enthalpy, and entropy.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that if the sum of two quantities is a state function (like internal energy, which is the sum of heat and work), then the individual quantities must also be state functions. This is not the case.
Sources
- Heat and work are not the state functions of the system. Why? - physics.stackexchange.com
- 4.3: Work and Heat are not State Functions - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- Heat and work are not state functions - chemed.chem.purdue.edu
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