Intensive Property: Surface Tension

Intensive properties are characteristics of a substance that do not depend on the amount of substance present. In other words, these properties remain constant regardless of the quantity of the substance. Among the given options, the property of surface tension best fits this description.

Surface tension is the measure of the force required to stretch or break the surface of a liquid. It is a property that is specific to the substance and does not depend on the amount of the substance present. Surface tension is determined by the cohesive forces between the molecules at the surface of the liquid.

Explanation:

1. Intensive Properties:
- Intensive properties are characteristics of a substance that do not depend on the amount of substance present.
- These properties remain constant regardless of the quantity of the substance.

2. Surface Tension:
- Surface tension is the measure of the force required to stretch or break the surface of a liquid.
- It is a property that is specific to the substance and does not depend on the amount of the substance present.
- Surface tension is determined by the cohesive forces between the molecules at the surface of the liquid.

3. Mass and Volume:
- Mass and volume are extensive properties.
- Extensive properties depend on the amount of substance present.
- For example, the mass of a substance increases with an increase in the amount of substance.

4. Enthalpy:
- Enthalpy is also an extensive property.
- It depends on the amount of substance present and the conditions of the system.
- Enthalpy is a measure of the total heat content of a system.

Conclusion:

Among the given options, surface tension is the only property that is an intensive property. It is a characteristic of a substance that does not depend on the amount of substance present. The other options, such as mass, volume, and enthalpy, are extensive properties that vary with the quantity of the substance.