Extensive vs. Intensive Properties — Overview & Examples

What Are Intensive Properties?

These are properties of a substance which are characteristic to the substance and it's identity. Intensive properties are dependent on the matter that substances are made of. Intensive properties vary between different substances.

Intensive Property Examples

Color, hardness, boiling point, and density are examples of intensive properties. Let's consider a diamond. Diamonds are usually colorless, tough, and dense enough that it sinks when placed in water. These properties and others are characteristic of the diamond, and all diamonds are similar. These properties separate diamonds from other precious gemstones like rubies, sapphires, and more!

What is an Extensive Property?

This is a property that can change and typically changes with the amount of the substance present.

Example of Extensive Property

Extensive properties include mass, length, volume, and shape. Let's consider our diamond again. Diamonds can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The size of the diamond would also affect mass and the the shape would affect length. These properties can vary, but they do not change the identity of the diamond. In fact, the intensive properties of out diamond stay the same.

(Video) Extensive vs. Intensive Properties of Matter - Explained

by Chem Academy

One of the ways we can describe chemical substances is with extensive and intensive properties. This video will teach you about the difference between these two terms. You will also see some examples of each, and you'll have a chance to practice what you've learned at the end of the video.

Intensive vs Extensive Properties