Question

The property of compressibility is:
(A) Maximum in solids
(B) Least in solids
(C) Maximum in liquids
(D) Least in gases

Answer 1

Compressibility is the measure of how much a given volume of matter decreases under pressure. If we put pressure on a solid or a liquid, there is no change in volume because atoms, ions, or molecules that make up the solid or liquid are very close together.

Explanation:
Compressibility is the measure of how much a given volume of matter decreases under pressure. If we put pressure on a solid or a liquid, there is no change in volume because atoms, ions, or molecules that make up the solid or liquid are very close together. Hence Compressibility is maximum in solids followed by liquids and then solids. In solids , molecules/ atoms are very close to each other . There are strong intermolecular forces of attraction between the atoms in solid. Therefore solid can not be compressed further. In case of gases, molecules are held by weak van der Waals forces. Molecules are very far from each other and can be compressed by changing the pressure or temperature. By increasing the pressure or by decreasing the temperature gases can be compressed to liquid and liquid can be compressed to solids and solids can’t be compressed further. Moreover, solids have definite shape , size and volume. Liquids do not have a definite shape but have a definite volume. Gases have definite shape and volume. Particles on solids are held at fixed positions; they can only vibrate about their mean position. Particles in solids can move while particles in liquids and gases can move easily.

Hence option B is correct.

Note: There are mainly three states of matter solids, liquid and gas. But besides solid , liquid and gases there is a fourth state of matter called Bose Einstein condensate (BEC) . It was invented by two scientists named Bose and very familiar Albert Einstein.