Chapter 10.1, Problem 1RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason for energy to be a state function and heat and work to not be a state function needs to be explained.

Concept introduction: The property of the system that changes independently, that is, it is not dependent on path followed is known as state function. Some change such as distance travelled is a not state function as it depends on the path taken.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Energy transferred is independent of path so, it is state function but work and heat are dependent on path, so, they are not state functions.

Explanation of Solution

In the process, energy is not dependent on the path followed. So, it is a state function. From the following diagram, for a given change in position of A, a smooth hill produces more work and less heat than a rough hill. That is, for a given change in the position of A, energy change is always same (state function) but the way the resulting energy is distributed as heat or work depends on the surface of the hill or the path followed.

  

Conclusion

State functions are path independent.