In thermodynamics, path-independent, as compared to “path-dependent”, refers to function (see: path function) or variable, e.g. energy, enthalpy, or entropy, that does NOT "depend" on the "path taken", a thing typically defined graphically (e.g. PV-diagram), in going from one state (initial state) to another state (end state or final state).
Quotes
The following are related quotes:
“When the state of a system is altered, the change of any state function depends, by definition, only the initial and final states. It must therefore be independent of the path along which the change in state has taken place.”
— Jurg Waser (1966), Basic Chemical Thermodynamics [1]
References
1. Waser, Jurg. (1966). Basic Chemical Thermodynamics (pg. 12). W.A. Benjamin, Inc.
