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GATE 2022 ME (ME2) – Question 23

Thermodynamics · Thermodynamic systems and processes, properties of pure substances · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Which one of the following is an intensive property of a thermodynamic system?

  1. Mass
  2. Density
  3. Energy
  4. Volume

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Correct answer: (B) Density

Explanation

An **intensive** property does not depend on the amount of matter. An **extensive** property is proportional to the size of the system.

Divide a homogeneous system into two equal halves:
- mass, total energy and volume each halve, so they are **extensive**;
- density $=m/V$ stays the same, since both numerator and denominator halve, so it is **intensive**.

Answer: **density** (B).