(a) Is the number of moles of ions present in a solution an intensive or an extensive property?

Key Concepts

Intensive vs. Extensive Properties

Intensive properties are those that do not depend on the amount of substance present, such as temperature and density. In contrast, extensive properties depend on the quantity of material, like mass and volume. Understanding this distinction is crucial for analyzing properties of substances in chemistry.

Moles and Ions

A mole is a unit in chemistry that represents 6.022 x 10²³ entities, such as atoms or ions. When discussing solutions, the number of moles of ions indicates the concentration and behavior of the solution. This concept is fundamental in stoichiometry and solution chemistry.

Properties of Solutions

The properties of solutions can be classified as either intensive or extensive. For example, the concentration of ions in a solution is an intensive property, while the total number of moles of ions is extensive, as it changes with the volume of the solution. Recognizing these classifications helps in understanding solution behavior and reactions.