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Chapter 10: Problem 79

What property or properties of gases can you point to that support the assumption that most of the volume in a gas is empty space?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The compressibility and low density of gases support the assumption that most of the volume in a gas is empty space. Gases are highly compressible due to the considerable empty space between gas particles, allowing their volume to be significantly reduced when pressure is applied. Additionally, gases have a low density compared to solids and liquids because the large empty spaces between particles cause the gas to occupy more volume, reducing its overall density.

Step by step solution

01

Define the properties of gases

Gases have certain unique properties compared to solids and liquids, such as being highly compressible and having a low density. This is due to the particles in a gas being farther apart than in solids or liquids, making empty space between them more significant.
02

Compressibility of gases

Gases are highly compressible, which means that their volume can be significantly reduced by applying pressure. This compressibility is a result of the considerable empty space between the gas particles. If there were no or little empty space, gas particles would be tightly packed together, and a gas would not be easily compressible.
03

Low density of gases

Gases have a lower density compared to solids and liquids, mainly because gas particles are farther apart from each other, with lots of empty space between them. The mass of gas particles is the same as in solids and liquids, but the large empty spaces make a gas occupy more volume, reducing its overall density.
04

Conclusion

The properties of gases, such as their compressibility and low density, support the assumption that most of the volume in a gas is empty space. The considerable empty space between gas particles allows them to be compressed and accounts for their low density compared to solids and liquids, signifying that much of a gas's volume consists of empty space.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Consider a mixture of two gases, \(A\) and \(B\), confined in a closed vessel. A quantity of a third gas, \(C,\) is added to the same vessel at the same temperature. How does the addition of gas \(\mathrm{C}\) affect the following: (a) the partial pressure of gas \(A,\) (b) the total pressure in the vessel, \((\mathbf{c})\) the mole fraction of gas \(\mathrm{B} ?\)

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