What is the Difference Between Intensive Properties and Extensive Properties?

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The difference between intensive and extensive properties lies in their dependence on the amount of substance in a sample.

  • Intensive properties do not depend on the amount of substance in a sample. They are independent properties that remain constant regardless of the sample size. Examples of intensive properties include color, melting point, boiling point, electrical conductivity, and temperature.
  • Extensive properties depend on the amount of substance in a sample. They are dependent properties that change with the size of the sample. Examples of extensive properties include mass, weight, and volume.

In summary, intensive properties are independent of the amount of substance present, while extensive properties are dependent on the amount of substance present.

Comparative Table: Intensive Properties vs Extensive Properties

Here is a table comparing the differences between intensive properties and extensive properties:

Property Intensive Properties Extensive Properties
Value Does not change Can change
Example Ductility, conductivity, freezing point, luster, odor Mass, volume, weight
Dependence Independent of the amount of substance present Dependent on the amount of substance present
Size Size does not change Size changes
Computation Cannot be computed Can be computed
Identification Can be easily identified Cannot be easily identified

Intensive properties are independent of the amount of substance present and are also known as bulk properties. Examples of intensive properties include pressure, temperature, color, and density. On the other hand, extensive properties are dependent on the amount of substance present and can be computed. Examples of extensive properties include mass, volume, weight, length, and size.