In thermodynamics, heat and work are:a)Path functionsb)Intensive therm...
Heat and work are treated as path functions in thermodynamics.
ΔQ = ΔU + ΔW
Since work done by gas depends on the type of process, i.e. path, and ΔU depends just on the initial and final states, ΔQ, i.e. heat, also has to depend on path.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all JEE courses
In thermodynamics, heat and work are:a)Path functionsb)Intensive therm...
Heat and work as path functions in thermodynamics
Introduction:
In thermodynamics, heat and work are two fundamental concepts that are used to describe energy transfer between a system and its surroundings. Both heat and work are important in understanding the behavior of systems and how they change with respect to their surroundings.
Definition:
- Heat is defined as the transfer of energy between a system and its surroundings due to a temperature difference. It is a form of energy that is transferred as a result of a temperature gradient.
- Work, on the other hand, is defined as the transfer of energy due to the application of a force over a distance. It is a measure of the energy transferred by mechanical means.
Path functions:
- Path functions are thermodynamic properties that depend on the path taken to reach a particular state from a reference state. They are not solely determined by the initial and final states of a system.
- Heat and work are both examples of path functions since their values depend on the specific process or path taken to reach a certain state.
Explanation:
- Heat transfer: The amount of heat transferred between a system and its surroundings depends on the specific process used to transfer the heat. For example, the amount of heat transferred during a reversible process will be different from that during an irreversible process, even if the initial and final states are the same. Therefore, heat is a path function.
- Work transfer: Similarly, the amount of work done on or by a system depends on the specific process used to transfer the work. For example, the work done during an expansion of a gas against a constant external pressure will be different from that during an expansion against a varying pressure. Hence, work is also a path function.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, heat and work are both path functions in thermodynamics because their values depend on the specific path taken to transfer energy between a system and its surroundings. This distinction is important in understanding and analyzing thermodynamic processes and calculating the overall change in energy of a system.
In thermodynamics, heat and work are:a)Path functionsb)Intensive therm...
Heat and work are treated as path functions in thermodynamics.
Delta*Q = Delta*U + Delta*W
Since work done by gas depends on the type of process, i.e. path, and Delta*U depends just on the initial and final states, Delta*Q i.e. heat, also has to depend on path.