Nature of heat transfer function - Thermodynamics
Q. Heat transfer is- Published on 21 Aug 15a. a point function
b. a path function
c. a transfer function
d. none of the above
ANSWER: a path function
The quantity of heat transfer that is heat flow Q can be determined in terms of the work W in the same process. Work involved in a process is not the same because it depends upon the path through which the process is carried out. The work involved in a process is not conserved. But, the difference (Q – W) is conserved for all the paths between the two states in a process, because of principle of conservation of energy. Therefore, heat flow Q, like W, depends on the path through which the process is carried out. Heat flow is path-dependent not a property. Therefore heat transfer is a path function. The amount of heat transfer when a system changes from state 1 to state 2 depends on the paths through which the system passes.
