Specific Volume: Is It Intensive or Extensive Property?

AI Thread Summary
Specific volume is often misunderstood as an extensive property due to its dependence on mass, as it is calculated using the formula SV = m/density. However, it is classified as an intensive property because it remains constant regardless of the amount of substance present. This classification aligns with other intensive properties like density and internal energy, which also have mass in their units but do not change when the system is divided into smaller parts. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding how properties behave under different conditions. Clarifying these concepts helps in grasping the fundamental distinctions between intensive and extensive properties.
Thermal-Dude
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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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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.
 
Hey Q_Goest,

Thanks for your reply.
 
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