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Pathway Independent

Definition

Pathway independent refers to variables or quantities whose values do not depend on how they were achieved but only on the initial and final states.

Related terms

Potential Energy: This is pathway independent because it depends only on an object's position relative to other objects.

Pressure: In physics and chemistry, pressure is considered pathway independent as it relies solely on force per unit area at any given moment.

Volume: Another example of pathway independent property in thermodynamics. It doesn't matter how the volume was achieved; all that matters is its current value.

"Pathway Independent" appears in:

Study guides (1)

  • AP Chemistry - 6.9 Hess’s Law

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About Us

About Fiveable

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Careers

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Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.