Question

Compare the three states of matter in terms of Compressibility.

Answer 1

Compressibility of a matter depends on the intermolecular space between the particles. If the intermolecular space between the particles is more, the object will be more compressible and vice-versa.

1. In solid, the particles are very closely packed. So, the intermolecular space in solid is very less. Therefore, solids are hard and cannot be compressed much.
2. In liquid, the particles are less closely packed in comparison to solid. So, in liquid the intermolecular space is more than solid. So, they are slightly compressible.
3. In gases, the particles are very loosely packed and the intermolecular space between them are very large. So, gases have high compressibility.