Question

Which of the following is highly compressible?
${\text{A}}{\text{.}}$ Solids
${\text{B}}{\text{.}}$ Liquids
${\text{C}}{\text{.}}$ Gases
${\text{D}}{\text{.}}$ None of these

Answer 1

Hint- Here, we will proceed by writing down the major difference between physical and chemical properties. Then, we will mention some of the important properties of each phase i.e., solid, liquid and gas.

Complete answer:
The physical state of any substance is defined by their physical properties. Water vapour, liquid water and ice all have the same chemical properties, but their physical properties are considerably different. Covalent bonds typically decide molecular structure, bond energies, chemical properties while intermolecular forces (non-covalent bonds) affect the physical properties of liquids and solids. The kinetic molecular theory of gases gives a reasonably accurate description of the behaviour of gases. A similar model can be applied to liquids but the non-zero volumes of particles and the presence of strong intermolecular attractive forces must be taken into consideration.
The condition of a substance depends on the balance between the individual particle kinetic energy (molecules or atoms) and the intermolecular forces. The kinetic energy keeps the molecules apart and moving around, and is a function of the temperature of the substance. The intermolecular forces are attractive forces which attempt to draw together the particles. Gases are very temperature- and pressure sensitive. These also impact liquids and solids, however. Heating and cooling can change the kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, and so by heating or cooling it we can change the physical state of a substance. Increasing the pressure on a substance brings the molecules closer together, increasing the strength of intermolecular forces.
The various properties of the solids are given under:
The intermolecular forces between the neighbouring molecules are strong enough to keep them locked in position.
Solids are not very compressible (least compressible) due to the lack of space between the molecules.
The structures are said to be crystalline, if the molecules in a solid adopt a highly ordered packaging arrangement. If the molecules in a solid adopt a highly ordered packing arrangement, the structures are said to be crystalline.
Due to the strong intermolecular forces between the neighbouring molecules, solids are rigid and hence, least compressible.
The various properties of the liquids are given under:
The attractive forces between the molecules are intense enough to bring molecules tightly together.
Liquids are denser and less compressible than gases (i.e., the compressibility of gases is higher than those of the liquids).
Liquids have a definite volume, regardless of their container size and shape. Thus, liquids can be poured and their container’s shape assumed.
The various properties of the gases are given under:
A collection of widely separated molecules (i.e., there is a lot of space between the gas molecules).
The molecule's kinetic energy is bigger than any enticing forces between the molecules.
The lack of any substantial attractive force between molecules permits the expansion of a gas to fill its container.
Therefore, gases are highly compressible because of the weak intermolecular forces of attraction between the gas molecules and a lot of empty space present between the gas molecules.

Hence, option C is correct.

Note- Compressibility is the property of being reduced to a smaller space by pressure. This property is a consequence of porosity, and the change of bulk comes from the particles being brought closer together by the pressure. Fluid compressibility is basically a measure of the density change that is to be produced in the fluid by a specified pressure change.