What is meant by state function?

Answer 1

A state function is one that depends only on the state of the system, not on how it got there. In quantum mechanics the states of interest are usually energy states. In the formalism of quantum mechanics, the state of a system at a given time is described by a complex wave function, also referred to as state vector in a complex vector space. This abstract mathematical object allows for the calculation of probabilities of outcomes of concrete experiments. For example, it allows one to compute the probability of finding an electron in a particular region around the nucleus at a particular time. Some of the states of interest are electron spin, electron energy level, harmonic oscillation frequencies, and the energy of individual particles, atoms, and molecules.

Note that state functions are particularly appropriate for quantum mechanics where changes occur in discrete quanta rather than as a continuous path.

Answer 2

Work and heat are "path functions"

Enthalpy, temperature, and pressure are state functions.

Volume is sort of a state function, but it is more accurate to refer to specific volume as the state function.

Answer 3

State function are those thermodynamic parameters whose values depend upon state of the system irrespective of how the state has been obtained. For example enthalpy, entropy, free energy.

Answer 4

physics a thermodynamic quantity that has definite values for given states of a system, such as entropy,enthalpy, free energy, etc

Answer 5

A state function is a property of something else. This helps in understanding thermodynamics because it describes a property, like the change of energy.

Answer 6

A state function is a characteristic property of a system in equilibrium independent of how they came to this state.