Question

Discuss the compressibility factor among solids, liquids, and gases?

Answer 1

Compression in a substance is seen, when an external force is applied to the substance, and as a response, the particles move from their position.

A substance is Compressible only if there is enough space between particles of the substance.

1. Solid state

1. The intermolecular space is essentially non-existent, and the intermolecular attraction force is extremely strong.
2. The particles can only vibrate in their current position because there isn't enough space for them to move. As a result, solids are difficult to compress.

2. Liquid state

1. In comparison to solids, they exhibit mild intermolecular forces of attraction and greater intermolecular gaps.
2. When the particles are subjected to external force, they show relatively little displacement. Liquids are almost impervious to compression.

3. Gaseous state

1. Because the particles are so far away, intermolecular space is at its greatest and the intermolecular attraction force is relatively weak.
2. In the gaseous state, particles move at random and constantly in the space occupied by the gas.
3. When particles are subjected to a compressive force, they quickly move from their original positions, allowing the gaseous state to be compressed.