Internal energy is an example of

Options

A. path function
B. state function
C. both (1) & (2)
D. None of these

Answer

To determine what internal energy is an example of, we need to understand the concepts of state functions and path functions in thermodynamics.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Definitions**:
- **State Function**: A property that depends only on the current state of the system, regardless of how it got there. Examples include internal energy, enthalpy, and entropy.
- **Path Function**: A property that depends on the specific path taken to reach a particular state. Examples include work and heat.

2. **Identify Internal Energy**:
- Internal energy (U) is defined as the total energy contained within a system, which includes kinetic and potential energy at the molecular level.

3. **Determine the Nature of Internal Energy**:
- Since internal energy depends only on the initial and final states of the system and not on the path taken to change from one state to another, it is classified as a state function.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, internal energy is an example of a **state function**.

### Final Answer:
Internal energy is an example of a **state function**.

---