Intensive Properties of Matter

Intensive properties are characteristics of matter that do not depend on the amount of matter present. These properties are the same for a given substance regardless of the size or amount of sample.

Before we delve into understanding the intensive properties of matter. Let us revise the matter.

Define matter

The matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. It can be found all around us and comes in many different forms. Matter can be solid, like a rock or pencil; liquid, like water or juice; and gas, like air or steam. Even things we can’t see, like the air we breathe, are made of matter.

Examples of matter are the table you are sitting on, the chair you are sitting on, the pencil and paper you are using, the water you drink, the air you breathe, and so on. Everything you can touch, see, smell or taste is made of matter.

What is the Intensive Property of Matter?

Intensive properties are characteristics of matter that do not depend on the amount of matter present. These properties are the same for a given substance regardless of the size or amount of sample.

Examples of some intensive properties include:

Density: The ratio of mass to volume, which is the same for a given substance regardless of the amount of matter present. For example, the density of gold is 19.3 g/cm3, whether we have a small piece or a large bar of gold.

Melting point: The temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid. This property is the same for a given substance regardless of the amount of matter present. For example, the melting point of ice is 0 °C, whether we have a small cube or a large block of ice.

Boiling point: The temperature at which a liquid changes to gas. This property is the same for a given substance regardless of the amount of matter present. For example, the boiling point of water is 100 °C, whether we have a small droplet or a large volume of water.

Hardness: The resistance of a material to being scratched or indented. This property is the same for a given substance regardless of the amount of matter present.

For example, the hardness of a diamond is 10 (on the Mohs scale) whether we have a small grain or a large diamond.

In summary, intensive properties are matter characteristics independent of the amount of matter present. They are the same for a given substance regardless of the size or amount of sample.

Intensive Properties of Matter FAQS

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