Chapter 20, Problem 13A

When air is compressed, what happens to its density?

To determine

To discuss: Effect on density when air is compressed.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Density:It is the measure of compactness of any substance. It determines how closely the atoms of the substance are packed.

The density of air at standard temperature and pressure is 1.223 kg/m³ approximately.

The density of a material is given by the formula,

  $\rho =\frac{m}{V}$

Where, $\rho$ is density, $m$ is mass and $V$ is volume.

Now, when air is compressed mass is constant and volume decreases.

So,

  $\rho \text{α}\frac{1}{V}$ that is density is inversely proportional to volume.

Since, the volume of air decreases.Therefore, the density of air increases.