Concept:A state function depends only on the present state of a system, not on the path by which that state was reached.
Explanation:Volume (
V), pressure (
P), and temperature (
T) are properties that depend only on the current condition of the system.
Whether a gas is compressed quickly or slowly, its final
P,
V, and
T depend only on the final equilibrium state.
Thus, these three quantities are state functions.
Work (
W), in contrast, is a path function.
The work done during a process depends on the specific route followed, such as the pressure–volume pathway.
For example, the work done in an isothermal process differs from that in an adiabatic process even between the same initial and final states.
Therefore, work is not a state function.
Answer:Option C: Work