{"id":1198,"date":"2019-03-01T14:13:30","date_gmt":"2019-03-01T14:13:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thepiquelab.com\/blog\/?p=1198"},"modified":"2023-08-31T12:05:06","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T04:05:06","slug":"properties-of-matter-what-is-compression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thepiquelab.com\/blog\/properties-of-matter-what-is-compression\/","title":{"rendered":"Properties of Matter: What is Compression?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

In our previous articles on the topic of Matter<\/strong><\/a>, we have discussed that all matter has mass and occupies space. Students tend to understand the concept of the properties of matter<\/strong> but encounter difficulty in applying the concept when answering questions.<\/p>\n

In this article, we will be going through the thought process on how to tackle a different type of application questions testing on the properties of matter<\/strong>. Additionally, we will also analyse a bonus question that has confused many students.<\/p>\n\n

Background Information<\/h2>\n

Firstly, let\u2019s recall what are the properties of the three different states of matter: solid, liquid and gas.<\/p>\n

\"Properties<\/p>\n

When an object is said to have no definite shape, it means that the object takes the shape of the container that it is placed in and is either a gas or a liquid. On the other hand, an object that is in the solid state has definite shape and does not take the shape of the container that it is placed in.<\/p>\n

So, what does it mean by \u201cgases can be compressed<\/strong>\u201d?<\/p>\n

To put it simply, what this statement actually means is that gases can be squeezed. Many of you know that compression of gases is caused by applying a force onto the gas.<\/p>\n

Did you know that we can also cause gases to be compressed by adding more gas into the same container?<\/p>\n

To understand the concept of compression of gases better, here are some diagrams to help you visualise:<\/p>\n

Here’s What A Solid Looks Like:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Properties-of-Matter-What-is-Compression-Solid\"<\/p>\n

Let’s take one black ball as one unit of solid particle. As seen in the diagram above, solid particles are closely packed to each other.<\/p>\n

\"Properties<\/p>\n

There is no \u201cspace\u201d for the solid particles to move. In this case, even when a force is applied to the solid particles (as seen above), the solid cannot be compressed.<\/p>\n

Here’s What A Liquid Look Like:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As seen from the diagram, although the liquid particles (blue balls) are not as closely packed compared to the solid particles, there is still not much \u201cspace\u201d for the liquid particles to move.<\/p>\n

Hence, similarly, the liquid particles would not<\/u><\/strong> be able to compress even when a force is applied to them.<\/p>\n

Now, Here’s What A Gas Looks Like:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As seen from the diagram, there is plenty of \u201cempty space between the 4 units of gas particles (orange balls). With this \u201cempty space\u201d between the 4 units of gas particles, the gas particles have space to move. Thus, this allows the gas particles to be compressed.\u00ad<\/p>\n

As mentioned earlier, compression can occur in two scenarios\u00a0<\/strong>for gases.<\/p>\n

Scenario #1: Applying a Force on the Gas<\/h2>\n

This scenario occurs when the container of the gas becomes smaller, as seen in the diagram below. This pushes the gas particles closer to each other, reducing the \u201cempty space\u201d between the gas particles, which is also known as COMPRESSION<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Scenario #2:\u00a0Adding More Gas into the Same Container<\/h2>\n

This scenario occurs when the container remains the same size, however, more units of gas particles are placed into the container. This reduces the \u201cempty space\u201d between each unit of gas particles, creating the effect of COMPRESSION<\/strong>, as shown in the diagram below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Now that we\u2019ve revisited the properties of the different states of matter and delved deeper into the concept of compression, let\u2019s take a look at the following question!<\/p>\n

\n

Read Also:<\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. A Beginner\u2019s Guide To Properties Of Matter<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. Application of Matter Concepts<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

    Let’s Try A Question<\/h2>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Source: St. Nicholas Girls’ School \u2013 2017 P5 SA2 Science Examination Paper [Q35]<\/em><\/p>\n

    Part (A): <\/strong>Air can still be pumped into the inflatable mattress even when it is fully inflated. State a property of air that allows this to take place.<\/p>\n

    Thought Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Firstly, we need to identify that the state of matter of air is gas<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    One property of gas is that it has no definite volume and can be compressed. Hence, even when the mattress is fully inflated, air can still be pumped into the mattress as there are \u201cempty spaces\u201d between the air particles, just like in the aforementioned\u00a0Scenario #2<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Our Suggested Answer<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Air does not have a definite volume and can be compressed.<\/p>\n

    Part (B): <\/strong>Will the mass of the inflatable mattress increase, decrease or remain the same after more air is pumped into it? Give a reason for your answer.<\/p>\n

    Thought Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Air is matter, which has mass and occupies space. By pumping more air<\/strong> into the inflatable mattress, it means that more matter<\/strong> is being introduced into the inflatable mattress. With more matter<\/strong>, there will be more mass<\/strong>, thus the mass will increase<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Our Suggested Answer<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The mass of the inflatable mattress will increase. When more air is pumped into the mattress, there will be more matter in it, causing the mass of the inflatable mattress to increase.<\/p>\n

    Part (C): <\/strong>When the inflatable mattress is left in the hot sun for a few hours, it became firmer. Explain why.<\/p>\n

    Thought Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The presence of the hot sun indicates the presence of heat<\/strong>. The air in the mattress will gain heat from the hot sun and expand<\/strong>. As the fully inflated mattress has a definite volume, the volume of the mattress did not change. This causes the expanded air to exert a greater push force<\/strong> against the inner walls of the mattress, causing the mattress to become firmer.<\/p>\n

    Our Suggested Answer<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The air in the mattress gained heat from the sun and expanded and increased in volume. The expanded air will exert a greater push force against the inner walls of the mattress, causing the mattress to become firmer.<\/p>\n

    How Would Volume & Mass Change Under Different Conditions?<\/h2>\n

    Let’s now take a look at the following conditions and determine under what situations would the volume and\/or mass of gases change or remain the same!<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Condition #1<\/strong><\/h3>\n