Question

Of the following, only ________ is not a state function.

A) S
B) H
C) q
D) U
E) T

Answer 1

Of the given options, q (heat) is the only one that is not a state function because it is path-dependent and does not depend only on the state of the system.

Step-by-step explanation:

Of the following, only q (heat) is not a state function. The state functions are properties of the system that depend only on the current state of the system, not on the path by which the system arrived at that state. Examples of state functions include entropy (S), enthalpy (H), internal energy (U), and temperature (T). In contrast, q represents the heat exchanged between the system and its surroundings, which is path-dependent and is not a state function. The same is true for work (w). While they are not state functions independently, their sum ΔU (change in internal energy) is a state function because it is path-independent and relies only on the initial and final states of the system.