Question:

Which of the following is not a state function?

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Remember: \[ \text{State Functions} = U,\ H,\ S,\ G,\ P,\ V,\ T \] \[ \text{Path Functions} = q\ (\text{heat}),\ W\ (\text{work}) \] State functions depend only on the state, whereas path functions depend on the process followed.
Updated On: Jul 18, 2026
  • Internal Energy
  • Work
  • Enthalpy
  • Entropy
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the meaning of a state function.
A state function is a thermodynamic property whose value depends only on the initial and final states of the system and is independent of the path followed during the process.
Examples of state functions are: \[ U \ (\text{Internal Energy}) \] \[ H \ (\text{Enthalpy}) \] \[ S \ (\text{Entropy}) \] \[ G \ (\text{Gibbs Free Energy}) \]

Step 2: Examine Internal Energy.
Internal energy (\(U\)) depends only on the state of the system and not on the path by which the state is achieved.
Therefore, Internal Energy is a state function.

Step 3: Examine Enthalpy and Entropy.
Enthalpy (\(H\)) and Entropy (\(S\)) are thermodynamic properties that depend only on the current state of the system.
Hence, Enthalpy and Entropy are state functions.

Step 4: Examine Work.
Work (\(W\)) depends on the path followed during a process.
For example, expansion of a gas can occur through different paths, and the amount of work done will vary for each path even if the initial and final states remain the same.
Therefore, Work is a path function. and not a state function.

Step 5: Final conclusion.
Among the given options, the quantity that is not a state function is \[ \boxed{\text{Work}} \] Hence, option (2) is correct.
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