Internal energy of a substance/system is aa)path functionb)state funct...
Internal energy is only state function because it depends only on initial and final state but not on the path followed by the reaction.Workdone is a path function
Internal energy of a substance/system is aa)path functionb)state funct...
Internal Energy as a State Function
Internal energy is a state function because it depends only on the current state of the system, not on how the system arrived at that state. State functions are properties that are determined by the state of a system and not by the path taken to reach that state.
Path Functions vs State Functions
- Path functions, such as work and heat, depend on the path taken to reach a particular state. They are not solely determined by the initial and final states of the system.
- State functions, on the other hand, are properties that depend only on the current state of the system. Internal energy is an example of a state function because it is solely determined by the current state of the system.
Implications of Internal Energy as a State Function
- Since internal energy is a state function, the change in internal energy of a system is independent of the path taken to reach that state. This means that the internal energy change of a system depends only on the initial and final states of the system, not on the process that occurred.
- Internal energy can be expressed as the sum of the kinetic and potential energies of the particles within a system. It is a measure of the total energy within a system that can be transferred as heat or work.
In conclusion, internal energy is considered a state function because it is determined solely by the current state of the system. This distinguishes it from path functions, which depend on the specific path taken to reach a particular state.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed NEET study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in NEET.