Intensive vs Extensive [ENDORSED]

[Sabrina Dunbar 1I]

Why do we want to use extensive properties instead of intensive properties if possible? What is we are only given intensive to use for a calculation? Thanks!

[Kevin Tabibian 1A]

We generally prefer extensive properties in chemistry because they are more specific. I would guess that your second question depends on the specific chemistry question you're answering.

[Diane Bui 2J]

Actually, we want to use intensive properties if possible because they are much more useful. Extensive properties depend on the amount of substance, while intensive properties do not depend on the amount of substance.

[Jeremiah Samaniego 2C]

Adding on to the above, because intensive properties are independent of sample size, they do not change when the size of the sample is changed, and therefore, are more useful. Also take note that some intensive properties are the ratio of two extensive properties, such as specific heat capacity, which is the ratio of heat capacity (an extensive property) to mass (another extensive property).

[Mitch Mologne 1A]

Also to add, extensive properties are just things that we can alter about the substance not just the amount.