A system transitions from an initial state p₁, V₁ to a final state p₂, V₂ via two distinct methods. If Q and W respectively denote the heat supplied to the system and the work done by the system, which of the following quantities must be identical for both methods?

Step-by-step solution

According to the first law of thermodynamics, the heat supplied to the system is given by Q = U + W , where U is the change in internal energy and W is the work done by the system. Rearranging the equation gives U = Q - W . Internal energy is a state function, meaning its change U depends only on the initial and final states of the system and is independent of the path taken. Since the initial state p₁, V₁ and the final state p₂, V₂ are the same for both methods, the change in internal energy U must be identical fo