Intensive vs. extensive properties – identify the non-intensive quantity Which of the following is <em>not</em> an intensive property (i.e., it does not remain unchanged with system size or subdivision)?

Introduction / Context:Thermodynamic properties are classified as intensive or extensive. Intensive properties are independent of the amount of matter (e.g., temperature, pressure), whereas extensive properties scale with system size (e.g., mass, volume). Correct classification is vital in process modeling and scaling-up operations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Chemical potential (μ) is defined per mole; it is intensive.
• Surface tension (σ) is force per unit length or energy per unit area; it is intensive.
• Heat capacity can be quoted as total (C) or specific/molar (c, C̄p).

Concept / Approach:When the term “heat capacity” appears without the qualifier “specific” or “molar,” it refers to the total heat capacity C of the system. Total heat capacity is proportional to the amount of substance and thus is an extensive property. In contrast, specific heat capacity (per mass) or molar heat capacity (per mole) are intensive because they normalize by the amount of substance.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:Process simulators require specific or molar heat capacities as inputs to remain composition- and temperature-dependent but size independent; total heat duty then scales by flowrate.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Chemical potential: Defined per mole; intensive.
• Surface tension: Defined per unit length/area; intensive.
• None of these: Incorrect because one item (heat capacity) is indeed non-intensive.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing heat capacity (C) with specific heat capacity (c). Always check units to determine whether a property is intensive or extensive.

Final Answer:Heat capacity