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What is the difference between a state and a path function?(Explain a lot to me so that I understand please)

User Arbie Samong
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23 votes

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

Here, we want to differentiate between a state and a path function

These are terms that we use in thermodynamics

We can infer the differences in their names

A state function is state-dependent and it does not take into consideration the path that was taken to reach this state. They are simply functions that exist in a state without considering the path at which the state was arrived at. Example of state functions are temperature and pressure

However, for a path function, it depend on the path taken to reach the state. For example, if we are to transit between two states, a path function will consider the path taken to reach the state. Work is an example of a path function.

User Safwanc
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