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QuestionPhysics

Is length an extensive or intensive property of matter?
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified formatting guidelines:

Step 2:
: Understanding Property Classification

Length is an extensive property of matter. To understand this, we need to define extensive and intensive properties: - Extensive properties depend on the amount of matter present - Intensive properties do not depend on the amount of matter

Step 3:
: Characteristics of Length as an Extensive Property

Length has key characteristics that make it an extensive property: - Changes proportionally with the amount of matter - If you double the amount of material, the length also doubles - Example: A 10 cm rod cut in half becomes two 5 cm segments

Step 4:
: Demonstration

- If you cut the wire in half, each segment will be $$\frac{1}{2}$$ meter long
Consider a metal wire: - 1 meter of wire has a certain length - The total length changes with the amount of material

Step 5:
: Contrast with Intensive Properties

Intensive properties (for comparison): - Temperature - Density - Melting point These do not change when the amount of material changes

Final Answer

Length is an EXTENSIVE property of matter because it changes proportionally with the amount of material present.