Classifying thermodynamic properties – which one is intensive? Select the property that is intensive (independent of the amount of substance) for a thermodynamic system.

Introduction / Context:
Thermodynamic properties are categorized as intensive or extensive. This classification is fundamental for scaling analyses, mixture calculations, and formulating constitutive relations and equations of state.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• System can be subdivided conceptually into parts.
• Properties may or may not scale with system size.
• We identify one property independent of system quantity.

Concept / Approach:

Intensive properties do not depend on the amount of matter (e.g., temperature, pressure, density). Extensive properties scale with size and are additive over subsystems (e.g., mass, volume, energy, entropy). When combining identical subsystems, intensive properties stay the same; extensive properties add.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Specific properties (e.g., specific volume v = V/m) are intensive, formed by the ratio of two extensive properties; temperature behaves similarly as a non-additive, equilibrium property.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Volume, mass, energy, and entropy are additive over parts; they increase with system size and are therefore extensive.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing energy per unit mass (specific energy) with total energy; the former is intensive but the latter is extensive.

Final Answer:

Temperature