Question

Assertion A: Entropy is a state function Reason R: Its value is independent of initial and final states and depends on path taken In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below
• Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
• Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• A is correct but R is not correct
• A is not correct but R is correct

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is correct but R is not correct
• D. A is not correct but R is correct

Hint:

State functions depend only on:
• Initial state
• Final state They do NOT depend on path followed.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: A state function is a physical quantity whose value depends only on the state of the system and not on the path followed. Entropy is one such thermodynamic state function.

Step 1: Analyze Assertion A. Assertion says: “Entropy is a state function” This is correct. Entropy depends only on:
• Initial state
• Final state Thus: \[ \boxed{ \Delta S \text{ is path independent} } \] Hence Assertion A is true.

Step 2: Analyze Reason R carefully. Reason says: “Its value is independent of initial and final states and depends on path taken” This is incorrect. For a state function:
• Value depends on initial and final states.
• It does NOT depend on path. Thus the Reason statement is exactly opposite to the correct definition. Hence Reason R is false.

Step 3: Determine the correct option. We conclude:
• Assertion is correct.
• Reason is incorrect. Therefore: \[ \boxed{ \text{A is correct but R is not correct} } \] Hence the correct option is: \[ \boxed{(3)} \] Final Conclusion: Entropy is a state function, but the given Reason is incorrect. Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(3)} \]