Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: intensive
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Correctly classifying properties as intensive or extensive is foundational for applying mass and energy balances, formulating equations of state, and scaling processes. Specific volume, denoted v, is widely used in steam tables, gas tables, and compressible-flow relations, so knowing its category prevents conceptual mistakes.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
An extensive property scales with system size and is additive over subsystems (e.g., total mass, total volume, total internal energy). An intensive property does not scale with system size and remains the same for subsystems at the same state (e.g., temperature, pressure, density). Since specific volume is the ratio V/m, it is independent of the overall size of the system at a fixed state, hence intensive. Equivalently, density rho = 1/v is also intensive.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Tabulated thermodynamic property data (e.g., steam tables) list v alongside p and T. When a uniform system is split into equal halves at identical p and T, each half has the same v as the original, confirming intensiveness. Meanwhile, total volume V halves and mass m halves—both extensive—yet v remains unchanged.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
'Extensive' is incorrect because extensive properties scale with size; v does not. 'State-dependent but neither' is vague and ignores standard definitions. 'Path property' conflates state functions with process-dependent quantities; v is a state property. 'Extrinsic only for solids' is meaningless here; intensiveness is not restricted by phase.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing specific properties (per unit mass) with total properties; assuming any property involving volume must be extensive. Remember: ratios of extensive properties (like V/m) typically yield intensive properties.
Final Answer:
intensive
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