---
title: "Intensive vs extensive; classify given properties"
subject: "Fundamental of Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_2/fundamental_of_thermodynamics_and_heat_transfer:intensive-extensive-classify-properties"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_2/fundamental_of_thermodynamics_and_heat_transfer/intensive-extensive-classify-properties
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Intensive vs extensive; classify given properties

Fundamental of Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer · Chapter 1: Introduction

- Asked in: 2070 Bhadra, 4 marks
- Video: [Extensive vs Intensive Properties  of Matter - Explained](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIV7baF4ZsM) — Chem Academy
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_2/fundamental_of_thermodynamics_and_heat_transfer/intensive-extensive-classify-properties
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_2/fundamental_of_thermodynamics_and_heat_transfer/chapter-1

## Question

Differentiate between intensive and extensive property. State whether the following properties are intensive or extensive volume, specific volume, temperature and pressure.

## Short answer

Intensive properties are mass‑independent (temperature, pressure, specific volume); extensive properties scale with mass (volume). Classification: volume – extensive; specific volume, temperature, pressure – intensive.

## Answer

| Basis | Intensive property | Extensive property |
|---|---|---|
| Dependence on mass | Independent of mass/size | Proportional to mass/size |
| On dividing the system | Stays the same | Gets divided |
| Additive | No | Yes |
| Examples | Temperature, pressure, density | Volume, mass, energy, entropy |

#### Classification
| Property | Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Extensive | Doubles if the mass is doubled |
| Specific volume | Intensive | v = V/m, per unit mass; does not depend on size |
| Temperature | Intensive | Same in each part of a system in equilibrium |
| Pressure | Intensive | Same in each part of a system in equilibrium |

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Volume is
   A. intensive, since it is the same in each part
   B. extensive, since it doubles if mass is doubled
   C. intensive, since it is measured per kg
   D. neither
   Answer: B. Volume depends on system size and is additive, so it is extensive. (Key point: Volume)

2. Why is specific volume intensive?
   A. It equals V x m
   B. It is the same as volume
   C. It is a path function
   D. It is V/m, per unit mass, independent of size
   Answer: D. Dividing an extensive property by mass removes the dependence on size. (Key point: Specific volume)

3. Temperature and pressure are classified as
   A. intensive
   B. extensive
   C. one of each
   D. specific
   Answer: A. They take the same value in each part of a system in equilibrium. (Key point: Temperature and pressure)

4. When a system is divided into two parts, an extensive property
   A. stays the same in each part
   B. gets divided between the parts
   C. doubles in each part
   D. becomes zero
   Answer: B. Extensive properties are additive, so they divide in proportion to the mass of each part. (Key point: Division test)

## Related in Fundamental of Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer

- [Thermodynamic, intensive, extensive, specific property](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Ffundamental_of_thermodynamics_and_heat_transfer%3Athermodynamic-property-specific-property-examples) — Fundamental of Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer, chapter 1
- [Thermodynamic property; intensive vs extensive](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Ffundamental_of_thermodynamics_and_heat_transfer%3Athermodynamic-property-intensive-extensive) — Fundamental of Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer, chapter 1, asked 2×