What are state functions in thermodynamics?

State functions in thermodynamics refer to properties that are determined solely by the current state of the system, regardless of how it reached that state. This means that if you know the values of a state function at two different states, you can directly calculate the change in that property by simply looking at the initial and final states. Common examples of state functions include pressure, volume, temperature, internal energy, enthalpy, and entropy.

This characteristic distinguishes state functions from path-dependent properties, which do rely on the specific conditions and processes the system underwent to achieve its current state. In essence, state functions provide critical information about the system without needing details about its past trajectory, making them fundamental to understanding thermodynamic processes.