The gaseous state of substances is an extremely interesting phenomenon, with which substances acquire many useful properties. For example, gases are easily compressed. They adapt to the volume and shape of the tank that they fill. Why is this happening? Why are gases easily compressed? How can this be explained scientifically? Find out in the article!
Why are gases easily compressed?
Scuba diving is an underwater diving, when a diver dives underwater with a tank filled with compressed oxygen. The pressure in the most commonly used scuba gear ranges from 200 to 300 atmospheres.
Gases differ from other physical states of substances in that they tend to expand in such a way as to repeat the form and fill the entire volume of the tank. However, in contrast, the gases can also be compressed in such a way that a relatively small amount can be forced into the tank with a relatively small volume. So, if the air from a standard scuba tank is transferred to another container with atmospheric pressure of 1 atmosphere, then the volume of this container should be about 2500 liters.
Gas density and compressibility
Compressibility is an indicator of how much the density and volume of a substance can change when placed under pressure. If we press on a solid or liquid, essentially no change in volume will occur. The atoms, ions or molecules that make up a solid or liquid are very close to each other. There is no space between the individual particles, so they cannot be densified.
The kinetic-molecular theory explains why gases are easily compressed (especially when compared to liquids or solids). Gases tend to be easily compressed as they represent a large amount of empty space between gas particles. That is why gas is easily compressed. At room temperature and standard pressure, the average distance between gas molecules is about ten times the diameter of the molecules themselves. When the gas is compressed, as when scuba is filled, its particles approach each other.
Application of the property of high compressibility of gases
Compressed gases are used in many situations. Compressed oxygen is often used in hospitals for patients with damaged lungs to help them breathe. If the patient undergoes a serious operation, then the anesthesia will most likely be xenon, that is, using compressed gas. Welding requires a very hot flame created by compresses of acetylene and oxygen mixtures. Many barbecue grills are fueled by compressed propane.
Summarizing
Gases are more easily compressed than solids or liquids because there is a lot of empty space between their molecules. This property of gas is widely used in many areas of human life.