Question

Why can gases be compressed more easily than solids?

Answer 1

Hint: As we already know that there are three states of matter i.e. solid, liquid and gases. In order to answer this question, we know about the physical properties of solid, liquid and gases and their arrangement of atoms and molecules.

Complete answer:
First, let us completely understand the three states of matter.
Anything that has mass and occupies space is called matter. It is made up of tiny particles such as atoms or groups of atoms called molecules.
There are three state of matter are as follows:
1. Solid- The arrangement of particles in solids are tightly and closely packed. They are rigid and hard. The particles are locked into its place and cannot move or slide over each other. They are not compressible.
2. Liquid- The particles in liquids are not more densely packed than solids. The particles can move and slide over each other. They are slightly compressible in comparison with solids.
3. Gases- The particles in gases are much more spread out than solids and liquids. They vibrate and move freely at high speed. Gases can be much more easily compressed than solids.
Therefore, it is concluded that gases molecules are much more far away than solids. So, they can be compressed easily.

Note:
It is always remembered that liquid and solid are dense, closely packed materials so, they have very little opportunity to compress. Also, water exists in all the three states of matter i.e. ice in solid form , water in liquid form and water vapour in gaseous form.