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Why is heat capacity an extensive property while specific heat capacity is intensive?
AHeat capacity depends on the kind of substance only
BHeat capacity depends on how much substance is present
CHeat capacity depends on the shape of the container used
DHeat capacity depends on the starting temperature chosen
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Heat capacity depends on how much substance is present
1. Heat capacity is the heat needed to raise a body's temperature by 1 degree Celsius.
2. It depends on both the type of substance and the amount of it, so it scales with size.
3. The large iron pan needs 90,700 J for 50.0 degrees, giving 1814 J per degree Celsius.
4. The small pan needs only 18,140 J for the same rise, giving 363 J per degree Celsius.
5. Specific heat divides by mass as well, so it depends on the type of substance alone.
6. Both pans give 0.449 J per gram per degree Celsius, showing that specific heat is intensive.
7. Container shape and starting temperature are not what makes the property extensive.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry (CC BY 4.0), Ch 5 "Thermochemistry", section 5.1 Energy Basics_
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