Which of the following statements best explains why any two alternative paths…
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Energetics · Energetics
Problem
Which of the following statements best explains why any two alternative paths connecting the same reactants and products in an energy-level cycle must display identical net enthalpy changes?
(a) Because the first law of thermodynamics requires ΔH=0 for any closed cycle, forcing different paths to balance.
(b) Enthalpy is a state function that depends solely on the initial and final states of the system.
(c) Because the overall heat of reaction is fixed by tabulated bond energies, making the value independent of the route taken.
(d) Because enthalpy depends on the total entropy change and temperature, which are identical for a given set of reactants and products.