Depends on whether a path integral or a normal integral is
easier to determine.
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Feynmans path integral formulation equations
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since the line integral depends on the two values upper &
lower limits and the function to which we have to integrate. the
values changes only when the upper & lower limits changes,
whatever the path is.
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D. C. Khandekar has written:
'Path-integral methods and their applications' -- subject(s):
Path integrals, Feynman integrals
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Path function: Their magnitudes depend on the path followed during a process as well as the end states. Work (W), heat (Q) are path functions.
The cyclic integral of a path function is non-zero. work and heat are path functions.
Point Function: They depend on the state only, and not on how a system reaches that state. All properties are point functions.
The cyclic integral of a point function is zero. properties are point functions, (ie pressure,volume,temperature and entropy).