intensive vs extensive properties

Physical Properties can be classified as Extensive or Intensive

Physical properties can be observed without changing the substance you are observing.

vExtensive Properties

Change depending on amount of matter present

Quantitative values can be added or subtracted

(Length, volume, mass)

vIntensive Properties

Change depending on the type of the matter present

Cannot be added or subtracted! Quantitative Values can only be averaged

(melting point, density, ability to conduct electricity, and percent composition)

Back to

Report abuse