State Functions

Definition

A state function is any property whose value does not depend on the path taken to reach that specific value. In other words, it only depends on the current state of the system.

Related terms

Path Function: Unlike state functions, these properties do depend on how changes occur within a system.

Thermodynamics:

The branch of physical science that deals with heat and other forms of energy and their relation to mechanical work.

Entropy:

A thermodynamic quantity representing unavailability of a system’s thermal energy for conversion into mechanical work.