Specific Volume: Is It Intensive or Extensive Property?

In summary, the conversation discusses Specific Volume being a property of a substance and whether it is an Intensive or Extensive Property. The discussion focuses on the relationship between Specific Volume, mass, and density and how it relates to other properties such as internal energy and enthalpy. It is concluded that Specific Volume is considered an Intensive Property if all control volumes have the same properties.
  • #1
Thermal-Dude
2
0
I have a query regarding Specific Volume, which is a property of a substance. I don't get why it is considered as an Intensive Property. It IS dependent on mass (SV = m/density) and hence I think it should be an Extensive Property. Could someone explain pl?
 
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  • #2
Hi Thermal-Dude, welcome to the board.
Thermal-Dude said:
(SV = m/density)
You might want to check that. What are the units of specific volume?

How about density? How about internal energy or enthalpy? They also have units with mass in them.

If you break that something down into little chunks (ie: control volumes) and all the chunks still have the same properties, then the property you're looking at is intensive.
 
  • #3
Hey Q_Goest,

Thanks for your reply.
 

1. Is specific volume an intensive or extensive property?

Specific volume is an intensive property. This means that it does not depend on the amount or size of the substance, but rather on its composition and physical state.

2. What is the difference between intensive and extensive properties?

Intensive properties are independent of the amount of substance, while extensive properties vary depending on the amount or size of the substance. Examples of extensive properties include mass and volume, while examples of intensive properties include density and specific heat.

3. How is specific volume calculated?

Specific volume is calculated by dividing the volume of a substance by its mass. It is typically expressed in units of volume per unit of mass, such as cubic meters per kilogram (m^3/kg).

4. Can specific volume change?

Yes, specific volume can change depending on the conditions of the substance, such as temperature and pressure. For example, as temperature increases, the specific volume of a substance may also increase.

5. Why is specific volume an important property in thermodynamics?

Specific volume is an important property in thermodynamics because it is used to calculate other properties, such as density and specific enthalpy. It is also used to describe the behavior of substances under different conditions, such as during phase changes.

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