Extensive vs. Intensive Properties Explained

Understanding the difference between extensive and intensive properties is key in thermodynamics.

• Extensive properties depend on the amount of matter in a system (e.g., mass, volume). If you combine two identical systems, the value of an extensive property doubles.
• Intensive properties are independent of the amount of matter (e.g., temperature, pressure). They remain the same regardless of system size.

Property Analysis

Let's analyze the given properties:

• Enthalpy (H): This is the total heat content of a system. It scales with the amount of substance, making it an extensive property.
• Entropy (S): This measures the disorder or randomness of a system. Like enthalpy, it depends on the amount of substance and is an extensive property.
• Specific enthalpy (h): Defined as enthalpy per unit mass (or mole), represented as $h = H/m$. Dividing an extensive property (H) by mass (m) results in a property that is independent of the total mass. Therefore, specific enthalpy is an intensive property.
• Specific enthalpy: Same as above, this is an intensive property.

The question asks for the property that is NOT extensive. Based on the analysis, specific enthalpy is an intensive property, not an extensive one.