Why can gases be compressed?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the physical properties of gases and the reason behind their ability to be compressed. It requires an explanation of the behavior of gas molecules under pressure and their spacing compared to solids and liquids.
Answer
Gases can be compressed because they have large amounts of empty space between their particles.
The final answer is that gases can be compressed because they have large amounts of empty space between their particles.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that gases can be compressed because they have large amounts of empty space between their particles.
More Information
The large intermolecular distances in gases result in their high compressibility. When pressure is applied, these gas molecules can be forced closer together, thus reducing the volume significantly.
Tips
It’s important not to confuse gas compressibility with that of solids and liquids, which have much less intermolecular space and are thus far less compressible.
Sources
- Why gases are easily compressible? - Byju's - byjus.com
- The ins and outs of air compression - mark-compressors.com
- Why can gases be compressed - Quora - quora.com