Question

Which from following is an example of both intensive property and state function?

• A. Internal energy
• B. Volume
• C. Temperature
• D. Entropy

Hint:

To test if a property is intensive, imagine cutting the system in half. If the property's value remains exactly the same for the half-system (like temperature, pressure, density, concentration), it is intensive.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We must find the property among the choices that satisfies two specific thermodynamic criteria simultaneously: it must be independent of the mass of the system (intensive) AND it must depend only on the current state of the system, not the path taken (state function).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze both criteria for each option:
- (a) Internal energy ($U$): Depends strictly on the current state (State function), but the total internal energy scales with the size of the system (Extensive property).
- (b) Volume ($V$): Depends on the current state (State function), but directly scales with the amount of matter (Extensive property).
- (c) Temperature ($T$): A measure of average kinetic energy, it defines the current state (State function). If you divide a sample in half, the temperature of both halves remains exactly the same, making it independent of mass (Intensive property).
- (d) Entropy ($S$): Depends on the current state (State function), but total entropy scales with the amount of matter (Extensive property).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Temperature is both an intensive property and a state function, corresponding to option (c).