Explain why liquids, unlike gases, are virtually incompressible.
Expert Solution & Answer
Interpretation Introduction
Interpretation:
The inability of water molecules to be compressed has to be explained.
Concept Introduction:
Matter is generally classified into three distinct categories - solid state, liquid state, gaseous state. In all of these three states of matter, the constituents (molecules or ions) of the matter do possess forces between them which are not the same in each state. These forces are called intermolecular forces.
The intermolecular forces are relatively strong in the solids than liquids and weaker in the gaseous substances. This variation influences many of the properties of all the three distinct states of the matter.
Answer to Problem 12.1QP
The intermolecular force between gaseous molecules is almost nil so gaseous molecules move quite randomly. Hence under pressure they can be compressed. The molecules in liquids are very close together and the intermolecular force between them is not so weak that liquids cannot be compressed further.
Explanation of Solution
The nature of the intermolecular forces present between the constituents of the solid is mainly responsible for almost all the properties of the solids. Solids have strong intermolecular forces than liquids and gases due to which the constituents are compactly fixed and arranged in their respective spaces. Due to this, they have definite shape and volume and cannot flow and have high density. Solids are rigid and very difficult to compress that a high energy is required to break the intermolecular forces between the constituents.
In case of gaseous molecules the existence of intermolecular force is highly negligible that they exhibit very random motion. Under appropriate temperature and pressure gases can be compressed.
In case of liquids, the molecules are neither held too closely nor too loosely. They are arranged in such a way they exhibit slight movements in their respective positions. Thus the intermolecular forces between the molecules are not so weak. This is why liquids cannot be compressed
Conclusion
The inability of water molecules to be compressed has to be explained.
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