Chapter 3, Problem 81A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

States of matter that are compressible and those that are not needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Al the substances present in nature are in three states: Solid, Liquid or gas. These states of matter are differentiated as per the change in their physical and chemical properties.

Answer to Problem 81A

Solid is not compressible.

Liquid and gases are not compressible.

Explanation of Solution

There are three states of matter that we are familiar with solid, liquid and gas. All these three states have different properties. The atoms, ions or molecule that combines to form solid are very closely packed together. The intermolecular forces are high and there is no space between the individual particles. Hence the compressibility factor decreases.

The compressibility of liquid does exist but to a very lesser extent. And the compressibility of gas is highest as the intermolecular forces between them is very low or totally negligible.

The order of intermolecular attractive forces is:

$\mathrm{solid}>liquid>gas$

And the order of compressibility is

$\mathrm{solid}<liquid<gas$

Conclusion

The different compressibility of solid, liquid and gases are because of the difference in intermolecular forces of attraction.