Question

How does a gas differ from a liquid with respect to each of the following properties: (a) density, (b) compressibility, (c) ability to mix with other substances of the same phase to form homogeneous mixtures?

Short answer

Gases differ from liquids in terms of (a) density, with gases having much lower densities than liquids, (b) compressibility, where gases are highly compressible compared to liquids, and (c) ability to mix with other substances of the same phase, as gases mix more easily and quickly with other gases than liquids do with other liquids.

Step-by-step solution

(a) Density

The density of a substance is defined as its mass divided by its volume. In general, gases have much lower densities than liquids because gas particles are much farther apart than liquid particles. In most cases, you will find that the density of a gas is about a thousandth of the density of a liquid.

(b) Compressibility

Compressibility is the ability of a substance to change in volume when pressure is applied. Gases are highly compressible compared to liquids. In a gas, particles are much farther apart from each other, so when pressure is applied to a gas, the particles can be compressed into a smaller volume quite easily. In contrast, liquid particles are already quite close together, so compressibility is much less significant in liquid substances.

(c) Ability to Mix with Other Substances

The ability to mix with other substances of the same phase refers to the solubility and miscibility of substances. Gases mix more easily and quickly with other gases than liquids do with other liquids. This is due to the high mobility of gas particles, allowing them to distribute themselves evenly throughout another gas substance. In liquids, this mixing process is generally slower because liquid particles have less mobility and require more energy to move and mix with other liquids. In conclusion, gases and liquids differ in their densities, compressibilities, and abilities to mix with other substances of the same phase. Gases have much lower densities and higher compressibilities compared to liquids. Also, gases are generally more able to mix with other gases than liquids are with other liquids due to their higher mobility.