Question

Which among the following shows the correct decreasing order of compressibility in the substances given below:
stone, vinegar, air

• A. air > vinegar > stone
• B. stone > vinegar > air
• C. air > stone > vinegar
• D. vinegar > stone > air

Answer 1

The correct option is A air > vinegar > stone

Compressibility is the measure of how much a given volume of matter decreases when placed under pressure.

During compression of a substance, the pressure is applied to it, as a result of which its particles come closer to each other. So, more the interparticle space, more will be the compressibility of the substance.
Air exist is gaseous state, vinegar in liquid state and stone exist in soid state.
The decreasing order of interparticle space is gas > liquid > solid.
Consequently, the decreasing order of compressibilty is gas > liquid > solid.
Therefore, the decreasing order of compressibilty is air > vinegar > stone.