Is delta H a state function?(Hess Law?)

  • Thread starter Thread starter sachin123
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Delta Law State
AI Thread Summary
Delta H is debated as a state function due to its relationship with work (W), which is path-dependent. While Hess's Law suggests that the enthalpy change (delta H) remains constant regardless of the reaction pathway, this seems to contradict the idea that delta H is not a state function because it includes W. However, when pressure is constant, W can be considered a state function, leading to the conclusion that delta H is also a state function under these conditions. The discussion also touches on the differing sign conventions for work in physics and chemistry, questioning their significance. Ultimately, the relationship between delta H, delta U, and W highlights the complexities of thermodynamic functions.
sachin123
Messages
117
Reaction score
0
is delta H a state function??(Hess Law?)

Is delta H a state function?

We know that delta H=delta U+W (at const P)
so,
we also know that W is path dependent function.So delta H being a sum of delta U and a path dependent function must not be a state function.(point 1)

But there is this Hess Law which allows you to add 2 chemical reactions along with their enthalpy changes.
Lets say water is formed from H2 and O2.lets say water is again formed from H2 and O2 but in a different path.according to Hess law,delta H is same in both cases.
Now doesn't that make delta H a state function?(point 2)

Don't point 1 and point 2 contradict?
Thank You.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


sachin123 said:
We know that delta H=delta U+W (at const P)
so,
we also know that W is path dependent function.

What if W is no longer path dependent when you fix P?
 


oh.so even W is a state function in this case then.
so that makes H a state function in general.
Thank you Mapes
 


Also may I extend this and ask,
why are different sign conventions used for 'Work' in physics and chemistry?
in physics we take W +ve when work is done by the system and correspondingly we take it -ve in chemistry.Is there any significance?
 


however i read a text saying that, 'delta H has a defined value for a particular change, regardless of whether or not it's at constant pressure'.

in this case, W is not a state function. then how is it possible?
 
I don't get how to argue it. i can prove: evolution is the ability to adapt, whether it's progression or regression from some point of view, so if evolution is not constant then animal generations couldn`t stay alive for a big amount of time because when climate is changing this generations die. but they dont. so evolution is constant. but its not an argument, right? how to fing arguments when i only prove it.. analytically, i guess it called that (this is indirectly related to biology, im...
Back
Top