Question: Why is U (change in internal energy) a state function, although its components, q and w, are not? Multiple choice question. U depends only on

Why is U (change in internal energy) a state function, although its components, q and w, are not? Multiple choice question. U depends only on the final state of the system and surroundings. Heat and work are properties of the system, whereas internal energy is a property of the universe. The work done is equal and opposite to the heat released/absorbed, so that U remains the same. Changing the path taken for a process changes q and w by the same amount, so that U still has the same value

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