In thermodynamics, properties of a system can be categorized as either intensive or extensive. Intensive properties remain constant regardless of the quantity of matter present. Examples of intensive properties include:
- Temperature
- Refractive index
- Density
- Viscosity
On the other hand, extensive properties depend on the amount of matter in the system. When the quantity of matter changes, so do these properties. Examples of extensive properties include:
- Volume
- Mass
- Total energy
- Total charge
Understanding this distinction is crucial for correctly interpreting the characteristics and behavior of different systems in thermodynamics.