Chapter U3.56, Problem 1E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The density of a gas needs to be compared with that of solid.

Concept Introduction:

The density of a substance is related to its mass and volume as follows:

  $d=\frac{m}{V}$

Here, m is mass and V is volume.

Answer to Problem 1E

The density of solid is more than that of a gas.

Explanation of Solution

Density is defined as the space occupied by a substance with respect to the amount of matter in that substance. Here, the space occupied is volume and the amount of matter is mass. Thus, density is mass per unit volume of a substance. It is mathematically represented as follows:

  $d=\frac{m}{V}$

In a solid, the molecules are arranged in such a way that they have little space between them. Also, the intermolecular force of attraction is strong in case of solid as compared to gas. In gas, the distance between molecules is large and they do not have any fixed arrangement. Due to this reason, gas occupies more volume as compared to a solid even if the mass of solid and gas is same.

Since, density is inversely related to volume, the density of gas will be less than that of a solid.

Conclusion

Thus, the density of solid is more than that of a gas.