Chapter 12, Problem 12.2P

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the more compressibility of gases as compared to liquids is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The phase is defined as the physical state of a substance. The properties of a phase are determined by the interaction of the potential energy $\left(E_p\right)$ and kinetic energy $\left(E_{\text{k}}\right)$ of particles. There are three major phases as follows:

1) Solid

2) Liquid

3) Gas

In gases, the value of kinetic energy $\left(E_{\text{k}}\right)$ is greater than potential energy $\left(E_p\right)$ so the particles can move freely without any force of attraction towards each other while in the case of solids, the value of $E_p$ is greater than $E_{\text{k}}$ so the solid particle can not move freely and remain vibrating at one place. In the case of liquids, the potential energy $\left(E_p\right)$ is greater as compared to gases but still, the particles can move but less than the gases.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the greater ability to flow in liquids as compared to solids is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The phase is defined as the physical state of a substance. The properties of a phase are determined by the interaction of the potential energy $\left(E_p\right)$ and kinetic energy $\left(E_{\text{k}}\right)$ of particles. There are three major phases as follows:

1) Solid

2) Liquid

3) Gas

Potential energy $\left(E_p\right)$ tries to keep the molecules together and act as the intermolecular forces while kinetic energy $\left(E_{\text{k}}\right)$ is associated with the motion and tries to move apart the molecules.

In gases, the value of kinetic energy $\left(E_{\text{k}}\right)$ is greater than potential energy $\left(E_p\right)$ so the particles can move freely without any force of attraction towards each other while in the case of solids, the value of $E_p$ is greater than $E_{\text{k}}$ so the solid particle can not move freely and remain vibrating at one place. In the case of liquids, the potential energy $\left(E_p\right)$ is greater as compared to gases but still, the particles can move but less than the gases.