Which of the following is/are state function/functions? 1. q+w 2.

Which of the following is/are state function/functions?

  • 1. q+w
  • 2. q
  • 3. w
  • 4. H-TS

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 4 only
1, 2 and 4
2, 3 and 4
1 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2019
A state function is a property whose value depends only on the state of the system, not on the path taken to reach that state.
1. q+w: According to the first law of thermodynamics, $\Delta U = q+w$, where U is internal energy. Internal energy (U) is a state function, so the change in internal energy ($\Delta U$) is also a state function. Thus, q+w represents $\Delta U$ and is a state function.
2. q: Heat (q) is a path-dependent quantity; the amount of heat transferred depends on the process followed.
3. w: Work (w) is a path-dependent quantity; the amount of work done depends on the process followed.
4. H-TS: This expression is the definition of Gibbs Free Energy (G). Gibbs Free Energy (G) is a state function, as it is defined in terms of state functions (Enthalpy H, Temperature T, and Entropy S).
Therefore, q+w and H-TS are state functions.
– State functions are independent of the path.
– Internal energy ($\Delta U = q+w$) is a state function.
– Gibbs Free Energy ($G = H-TS$) is a state function.
– Heat (q) and Work (w) are path functions.
Examples of other state functions include pressure (P), volume (V), temperature (T), enthalpy (H), entropy (S), and internal energy (U). Examples of path functions include heat (q) and work (w).