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A state function is defined as a property that tends to describe a specific state that doesn’t depend on the path taken to arrive at this particular state. On the other hand, those functions whose value is dependent upon the path selected to reach between two states are referred to as path functions.
A state function is used to describe the equilibrium condition of a system. Along with this, a state function is also used to highlight the count of specific kinds of molecules or atoms that are in a liquid, gaseous, or solid-state. State functions consist of mass, energy, pressure, temperature, entropy, volume, pressure altitude, chemical composition, particle number, and specific volume.
Mass
Mass is defined as the quantity of matter within a physical body. Mass also measures the inertia of a body along with the resistance to acceleration when execution of net force takes place. The mass of an object measures how much strength its gravitational attraction has to attract other bodies.
The SI unit of mass is known to be kilogram (kg). Mass is not a similar concept to that of its weight. However, mass is measured by determining the weight of an object with the help of a spring balance.
An object on the moon would have less weight as compared to its weight on Earth due to less gravity. Although, the object would still have the same mass. The major reason behind this is that weight is considered a force. On the other hand, mass is that property that measures how much strength this force has.
What are the units of mass?
The SI unit of mass is defined as kilograms (kg). One kilogram consists of 1000 grams.
Along with SI units, there are Non-SI units that are acceptable for usage. These Non-SI units include :
- Tonne (t), which is equal to 1000 kg
- Electronvolt (eV)
- Dalton (Da)
Some other units of mass include:
- Slug (SL)
- Pound (lb)
- Planck mass
- Solar mass
Difference between mass and weight
Mass and weight are considered two tools for measurement. Mass is known to determine the amount of matter in any object that can be physically touched. Mass measures the count of atoms within an object. The SI unit of mass in kilograms (kg).
In contrast, weight is defined as the measure of the force of gravity that pulls an object. Weight is calculated in pounds. In some countries, weight is measured in kilograms. A huge difference between mass and weight is that mass always remains the same. However, weight can change according to the location.
For example, The moon consists of lower gravity as compared to the earth. Therefore, the weight of the objects is less on the moon as compared to earth.
Conclusion
A state function is defined as a property that tends to describe a specific state that doesn’t depend on the path taken to arrive at this particular state. A state function is used to describe the equilibrium condition of a system. Along with this, a state function is also used to describe the number of specific kinds of molecules or atoms that are in a liquid, gaseous, or solid state. Mass is defined as the quantity of matter within a physical body.
Mass also measures the inertia of a body along with the resistance to acceleration when execution of net force takes place. The SI unit of mass is known to be kilogram (kg). Mass is not a similar concept to that of its weight. However, mass is measured by determining the weight of an object with the help of a spring balance. Mass and weight are considered two tools for measurement. Mass is known to determine the amount of matter in any object that can be physically touched. Mass measures the count of atoms within an object. Weight is defined as the measure of the force of gravity that pulls an object.
