Which of the following is considered an extensive property?

Which of the following is considered an extensive property?

• A. Temperature
• B. Pressure
• C. Volume
• D. Density

Answer: (C)

An extensive property is a property that depends on the amount of matter present in a system. Volume is a prime example of an extensive property because it changes with the quantity of the substance. For instance, if you have a larger amount of water, it occupies a greater volume compared to a smaller amount. In contrast, properties such as temperature, pressure, and density are considered intensive properties, which do not change with the amount of substance present. Temperature remains constant regardless of the sample size, pressure is defined for a unit area and is independent of the total amount of a substance, and density (mass per unit volume) does not change even if the volume or mass of the material changes. Hence, volume is the correct choice as it varies directly with the quantity of material.

An extensive property is a property that depends on the amount of matter present in a system. Volume is a prime example of an extensive property because it changes with the quantity of the substance. For instance, if you have a larger amount of water, it occupies a greater volume compared to a smaller amount.

In contrast, properties such as temperature, pressure, and density are considered intensive properties, which do not change with the amount of substance present. Temperature remains constant regardless of the sample size, pressure is defined for a unit area and is independent of the total amount of a substance, and density (mass per unit volume) does not change even if the volume or mass of the material changes. Hence, volume is the correct choice as it varies directly with the quantity of material.