Difference Between Intensive Property and Extensive Property

Each matter has specific properties that show its characteristics. These properties are classified as intensive properties and extensive properties. This classification is based on its interaction with the physical and non-physical system. An intensive property is defined as a property that is a system of physical properties that does not depend on the size or quantity of the system; does not vary with size or amount of material, eg: melting point, boiling point, etc. On the other hand, extensive property is defined as a property that totally depends on the size or quantity of the material; vary with change in size or amount of volume.

Comparison chart

What is intensive property?

An intensive property is a system of properties that does not depend on the amount or size of the material, these properties remain constant and do not vary with the change in the amount or size of the material. Intensive properties are very useful as they help identify a sample of the entire material because it does not change with quantity or size, thus giving a total result in the small quantity test. For example, the melting point of water (ice) is 0 degrees Celsius; this remains the same for water (ice) under all conditions. If we take a liter of ice water (ice), it will have the same melting point as two liters or three liters. Similarly, if the amount is halved, the melting point remains the same. It does not vary with the quantity or size of the material.

What is the extensive property?

An extensive property is a system of properties that depends on the amount or size of the material, these properties remain non-uniform and vary with the change in the amount or size of the material. Extensive properties are very difficult to identify in a given material sample because they change with quantity or size, thus giving variable results in different sample quantities. For example, the volume of the material is its extensive property; Varies with size and quantity. If a material is taken in a small quantity or has a small size, it will also occupy a small volume. Similarly, if the amount or size of the material is increased, the volume of the material also increases. Sample it depends on the quantity or size of the material. Extensive properties include mass, volume, length, height, etc.

Intensive Property vs. Extensive Property

• An intensive property is a property system that does not depend on the amount or size of the material, while the extensive property is a property system that depends on the amount or size of the material.
• The intensive properties remain constant while the extensive properties are not constant.
• Intensive properties do not change with the change in the amount or size of the material, while extensive properties always change with the change in the amount or size of the material.
• Intensive properties show the same result when testing different samples, while extensive properties show the variable result when testing different samples.
• Intensive properties are boiling point, color, state of matter, density, odour, melting point, hardness, malleability, while extensive properties include mass, volume, length, etc. the height etc.