Question

For any thermodynamic process, the work done by the system depends

• A. only on intial state of the system.
• B. both on initial and final state of the system.
• C. on the initial state and final state and on the path along which the change takes place.
• D. only on intermediate state.

Hint:

Work is a path function, so it depends on the path as well as on the end states.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: State and path functions
Internal energy depends only on the end states, but work and heat depend on the path.

Step 2: Example
An isothermal and an adiabatic path between nearby states give different areas under the curve.

Step 3: Match the options
Only the third option includes the path.

Final Answer:
Work is a path dependent quantity. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{on the initial state and final state and on the path along which the change takes place}} \]