Question:medium

Which of the following is an example of an intensive property?

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Quick identification rule:
• Intensive properties do not change with amount.
• Extensive properties increase with system size. Examples: \[ \text{Temperature, density, pressure} \rightarrow \text{Intensive} \] \[ \text{Mass, volume, energy} \rightarrow \text{Extensive} \]
Updated On: May 29, 2026
  • Temperature
  • Mass
  • Volume
  • Total energy
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1 : Understanding the Question:
This question asks us to identify which of the given options is an intensive physical property. Properties in thermodynamics are categorized based on whether they change when the size or quantity of the system changes.
Step 2 : Key Formulas and Approach:
We classify physical properties as:

Intensive properties: These do not depend on the quantity of matter present.

Extensive properties: These are directly proportional to the mass or scale of the system.

We can test each property by imagining a system divided into equal halves.
Step 3 : Detailed Solution:

Suppose we have a container filled with water and we divide it into two equal sections.

The mass of each section becomes half of the original value, making mass an extensive property.

The volume of water in each section is halved, making volume an extensive property.

The total thermal energy of each section is halved, making total energy extensive.

The temperature of the water in each section remains exactly the same as the original temperature. Therefore, temperature is intensive.

Step 4 : Final Answer:
The correct intensive property is Temperature, which corresponds to option (A).
\[ \boxed{\text{Temperature}} \]
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