... P dV is a change (in P and V, because P changes with V), so P dV is an inexact differential. W is an amount, not a change in work or any other property, so it is at bestmisleading to describe ... terminology can be an aid to understanding. Careless terminology is a hindrance to understanding.EQUATION OF STATE. Knowledge of two properties, or state functions, is generally sufficient to know, ... interest.The way to avoid these annoying correction terms, in general, is to define a new quality thatfocuses on what we do want to know. Our second step, therefore, in understanding an applying thermodynamics, ...