A state variable is one that allows other variables to be determined using a relationship.Which of the following variables are state variables?
A)P,V,and T
B)Internal energy,U
C)W and Q
D)(A)and (B)
E)(A),(B),and (C)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option A lists the three variables that make up the state of a gas - Pressure (P), Volume (V), and Temperature (T). Option B lists Internal Energy (U), which is a state variable as it depends only on the state of the system and not the path taken to get to that state. Option C lists work (W) and heat (Q), which are both path-dependent variables and do not have a fixed value depending on the state of the system. Hence, the best choice(s) are options A and B, making option D the correct answer.

A State Variable Is One That Allows Other Variables to Be