Which statement best describes the compressibility of a gas according to the kinetic molecular theory?

• A. Gases are not compressible because their particles are tightly packed together.
• B. Gases are highly compressible because the particles are far apart and there is a lot of empty space between them.
• C. Gases are only compressible at very low temperatures.
• D. Gases are less compressible than liquids because their particles move more rapidly.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the kinetic molecular theory, which describes the behavior of gas particles as small, hard spheres in constant, random motion with negligible volume compared to the container.
2. Understand that gas particles are far apart relative to their size, meaning there is a significant amount of empty space between them.
3. Recognize that because of this large amount of empty space, gases can be compressed easily by decreasing the volume of the container, forcing particles closer together.
4. Contrast this with liquids and solids, where particles are much closer together, leaving less empty space and making them less compressible.
5. Conclude that the statement 'Gases are highly compressible because the particles are far apart and there is a lot of empty space between them' best aligns with the kinetic molecular theory.