Question

Among the following, the state functions are:
This question has multiple correct options

Answer 1

Hint: State functions depend only on the final and initial state of the substance. Understand the physical quantities mentioned in the above options. Define more than one path taken by the substance and see which quantity remains constant irrespective of the path taken. If the quantity is path dependent, then the quantity becomes a path function.

Complete step-by-step answer:
A state function is a property such that its value does not depend on the path taken by the physical quantity to reach a specific value.
In contrast to state function, functions that depend on the path taken by the quantity to go between two values are called path functions. Both these functions are often used in thermodynamics.
For example, displacement is a state function and on the other hand distance is path dependent.
Internal energy of a system is state function. This is because it depends only on the initial and final energy of the system.
Similarly, molar enthalpy and reversible work are also state functions.

Therefore, the correct answers are options (A), (C) and (D).


Additional information: Thermodynamics is a branch of physics that deals with the physical quantities heat, work and temperature and their relation to radiation and energy released.
The behaviour of these quantities is in accordance with the laws of thermodynamics. The 3 laws of thermodynamics give a quantitative description using the above physical quantities at a macroscopics level.

Note: State and path functions are often confusing intensive and extensive property. Intensive property is a property of matter that is independent of the amount of matter present like mole. On the other hand, extensive property depends mainly on the amount of matter present like volume.