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Properties of Matter

Sep 11, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains the difference between intensive and extensive properties of matter, providing definitions, examples, and a summary of how to identify each type.

Intensive Properties

  • Intensive properties do not depend on the amount of matter present.
  • The boiling point of water is always 100°C, regardless of quantity.
  • Freezing point, melting point, and condensation point are intensive properties.
  • Density remains the same (e.g., 1 g/mL for water) regardless of sample size.
  • Hardness of a material, such as diamond, does not change with the amount present.
  • Color is an intensive property and does not depend on amount.
  • Flammability and combustibility are intensive; amount does not affect them.
  • Corrosiveness, such as with battery acid, is intensive regardless of quantity.

Extensive Properties

  • Extensive properties depend on the amount of matter present.
  • Volume changes with the quantity of substance (more matter, greater volume).
  • Mass depends on how much substance there is.
  • Length varies based on the amount and size of material.
  • Weight depends on the quantity of matter.

Classification Examples

  • Volume: Extensive property (depends on amount).
  • Mass: Extensive property (depends on amount).
  • Density: Intensive property (remains constant regardless of amount).
  • Flammability: Intensive property (does not depend on amount).
  • Corrosiveness: Intensive property (does not depend on amount).
  • Boiling point: Intensive property (does not depend on amount).
  • Combustibility: Intensive property (does not depend on amount).
  • Freezing and melting points: Intensive properties (do not depend on amount).

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Intensive Property — a property that does not depend on the amount of matter present.
  • Extensive Property — a property that depends on the amount of matter present.
  • Density — mass per unit volume of a substance (e.g., g/mL).
  • Boiling Point — temperature at which a substance changes from liquid to gas.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review examples of intensive and extensive properties for better understanding.
  • Practice classifying different properties as intensive or extensive.