Heat and Work?

Question

In Thermodynamics, Heat and work are a path functions. Can you explain how with an example please. I know that path functions depend on the path followed and state functions only on the initial and final states... But what I'm looking for is an explanation. Only serious answers please... Thankyou

Answer 1

For example,

Take a car batter and hook it up to an electric motor.......
the electrical energy in the battery does work by spinning the fan but there is also a small amount of energy which also goes into heat energy since the process is not 100 efficient.

Take a car battery and short circuit it by placing a wrench between the terminals (don't really do this, it is quite dangerous). The electrical energy within the battery is converted entirely into heat, not work is done.

Depending on the "path" in which the electrical energy is used, the amount of heat releases and work preformed differs...making these path functions. In the end of both paths, the state of the battery is the same...drained, empty, out of energy, but the heat/work is different.

A state function would only depend on the final condition of the action/object. For example, potential energy....it does not matter how you arrived at that potential, it is just the end result that matters.

Answer 2

path functions are like directions. you take a different route, and although you might end up at the same place the scenery was different therefore the journey was different.

if this doesn't make sense go talk to your TA or teacher. they'd love to have serious questions trust me

Answer 3

if you want to move a body you may cover several path but work is as follows : force multiplied straight distance when a chemical process occurs : several reaction take place but we consider the first and final state . hope i have could to describe .