Question

why can gases be compressed easily but not solids?

Answer 1

This is because of the strength of the intermolecular forces that are present in the solids as well as gases. The intermolecular forces in the gases are very weak therefore there molecules are far apart from each other so that there are vacant space between the molecules of the gases and hence it can be easily compressed.

On the other hand distance between the molecules of the solids is small because there are strong intermolecular forces of attraction between the molecules of the solids. Therefore they can not be compressed.