Question

Which one of the following is an intensive property?

• A. Chemical potential
• B. Volume
• C. Mass
• D. Entropy

Hint:

Intensive properties, such as pressure, temperature, and chemical potential, are independent of the system's size, while extensive properties like mass, volume, and entropy depend on the quantity of material in the system.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

An intensive property is one that does not depend on the amount of substance or the size of the system. It remains constant regardless of the quantity of material in the system. 
Step 1: Understanding each option - Option (A): Chemical potential — Chemical potential is an intensive property because it does not change with the amount of substance in the system. It is a measure of the energy required to add an additional particle to the system at constant temperature and pressure. This is the correct answer. 
- Option (B): Volume — Volume is an extensive property, meaning it depends on the size or amount of material in the system. 
- Option (C): Mass — Mass is also an extensive property, as it depends on the quantity of substance present. 
- Option (D): Entropy — Entropy is an extensive property when considered as a total quantity for the system, as it depends on the amount of material. However, the entropy per unit mass or volume can be intensive. 
Step 2: Conclusion The correct answer is Option (A) because chemical potential is an intensive property.