Which of the following is a state function?

• A. Heat (q)
• B. Enthalpy (H)
• C. Distance traveled
• D. Work (w)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand what a state function is: A state function is a property whose value depends only on the current state of the system, not on the path taken to reach that state.
2. Analyze each option to determine if it depends only on the state or on the path: Heat (q) and Work (w) are path functions because their values depend on how the process occurs, not just the initial and final states.
3. Consider Distance traveled: This depends on the path taken, so it is not a state function.
4. Examine Enthalpy (H): Enthalpy is a thermodynamic state function because it depends only on the state variables (pressure, temperature, composition) of the system.
5. Conclude that among the given options, Enthalpy (H) is the state function.