According to the kinetic molecular theory, why do gases compress more easily than liquids and solids?

• A. Because gas particles have stronger intermolecular forces than those in liquids and solids.
• B. Because gases have a fixed volume and shape.
• C. Because gas particles are larger in size than those in liquids and solids.
• D. Because the particles in a gas are far apart with a lot of empty space between them.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the kinetic molecular theory, which describes the behavior of particles in different states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases.
2. Understand that in gases, particles are much farther apart compared to liquids and solids, meaning there is a significant amount of empty space between gas particles.
3. Recognize that because of this large amount of empty space, gas particles can be pushed closer together when pressure is applied, allowing gases to compress easily.
4. Contrast this with liquids and solids, where particles are already close together with little empty space, so they resist compression.
5. Conclude that the ease of compression in gases is due to the large distances between particles, not because of stronger intermolecular forces or particle size.