Question

Which of the following is an intensive property?

• A. Mass
• B. Volume
• C. Density
• D. Heat capacity
• E. Enthalpy

Hint:

A simple test for intensive properties: If you divide a system into two parts, properties that remain the same in each part (like temperature or density) are intensive.
Properties that are halved (like mass or volume) are extensive.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Thermodynamic properties are classified into two types:
1. Extensive properties: These depend on the amount of matter present (e.g., mass, volume, total heat capacity).
2. Intensive properties: These are independent of the amount of matter present (e.g., temperature, pressure, density).

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the options:
- Mass: Changes with the amount of substance (Extensive).
- Volume: Changes with the amount of substance (Extensive).
- Density: Defined as Mass/Volume. While mass and volume are extensive, their ratio is constant for a specific substance regardless of quantity (Intensive).
- Heat capacity: Depends on the total mass of the object (Extensive).
- Enthalpy: Represents total heat content, which increases with the amount of substance (Extensive).

Step 4: Final Answer:
Density is an intensive property.