What is the definition of an intensive property?

What is the definition of an intensive property?

• A. A property that does not rely on the type of matter in a substance
• B. A property that depends on the type of matter in a sample
• C. A measurement that varies with the total mass of the system
• D. A characteristic defined only by its volume

Answer: (B)

An intensive property is defined as a property that does not rely on the amount of matter present in a sample. Instead, it is determined by the type of matter itself. Examples of intensive properties include temperature, pressure, and density. Each of these properties remains consistent regardless of the size or mass of the sample being examined. In contrast, the other options describe properties that would either depend on the quantity of the material or misidentify the nature of intensive properties. For instance, properties that change with the size or amount of substance, such as mass or volume, are known as extensive properties. Therefore, the key characteristic that identifies an intensive property is its independence from the quantity of the sample, making the identification of option B as the correct choice accurate.

An intensive property is defined as a property that does not rely on the amount of matter present in a sample. Instead, it is determined by the type of matter itself. Examples of intensive properties include temperature, pressure, and density. Each of these properties remains consistent regardless of the size or mass of the sample being examined.

In contrast, the other options describe properties that would either depend on the quantity of the material or misidentify the nature of intensive properties. For instance, properties that change with the size or amount of substance, such as mass or volume, are known as extensive properties. Therefore, the key characteristic that identifies an intensive property is its independence from the quantity of the sample, making the identification of option B as the correct choice accurate.