In physics we have studied that work done is independent of the path followed by the body, but in thermodynamics it is said work is path dependent why is this so?

2 Answers
David G.
Dec 17, 2017

The short answer is that no energy transformation is 100% efficient: there is always energy lost as heat. This means that a set of transitions with the same beginning and end points but a different path will lead to a different energy outcome.

Cesareo R.
Dec 17, 2017

See below.

Explanation:

Thermodynamics laws includes conservative and non-conservative systems so it's laws are for the general case. The independence of path is for mechanical conservative systems.

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