Why is density an intensive property? Does it not depend upon the quantity and size of the matter?
Asked by Kim | 18th Nov, 2013, 08:55: PM
Expert Answer:
Intensive properties are those physical properties which do not depend on the size of the system or the quantity of material present in the system.
Density is an example of an intensive property.
Density is defined the ratio of an object's mass to its volume. Because it is a ratio, the density of a material remains the same no matter how much of that material is present.
Mass and volume are extensive properties.
Remember properties that double are extensive while properties that remain same are intensive.
For example:
If we take 1 litre of water and add another 1 litre of water to it so we have 2 litres of water. The volume and mass of the water are doubled and so mass and volume are extensive properties. But the density remains the same, so it is an intensive property.
Intensive properties are those physical properties which do not depend on the size of the system or the quantity of material present in the system.
Density is an example of an intensive property.
Density is defined the ratio of an object's mass to its volume. Because it is a ratio, the density of a material remains the same no matter how much of that material is present.
Mass and volume are extensive properties.
Remember properties that double are extensive while properties that remain same are intensive.
For example:
If we take 1 litre of water and add another 1 litre of water to it so we have 2 litres of water. The volume and mass of the water are doubled and so mass and volume are extensive properties. But the density remains the same, so it is an intensive property.
Answered by Vaibhav Chavan | 19th Nov, 2013, 09:16: AM
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