What is generally true about the compressibility of solids?

A. It is higher than the compressibility of gases and liquids.

B. It is lower than the compressibility of plasmas and gases.

C. It is higher than the compressibility of plasmas, but not of other phases.

D. It is lower than the compressibility of liquids, but not of other phases.

The correct answer is option B, that is, it is lower than the compressibility of gases and liquids.

Explanation:

Compressibility is considered as the tendency to compress or reduce in size. In solids, the molecules are closely held together and exhibit greater intermolecular attraction, thus, there is minor space in between the two molecules and molecules vibrate at their mean positions.

In the case of liquids, the intermolecular attraction is less and the molecules are free to move, however, still they are closer to each other. In the case of gases, the intermolecular attraction is insignificant and they are present far from each other. Thus, it can be concluded that gases are the most compressible succeeded by liquids, and then by solids.

Answer: Option (b) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Compressibility means the ability to reduce or compress in size.

In solids, molecules are held together by strong force of attraction. Therefore, it requires very high force or energy to break the bond between the molecules of a solid.

As a result, compressibility of solids is low.

Whereas a hot ionized gas which contains same number of both positive or negatively charged electrons is known as plasma. Being a gas, molecules of plasma are not held by strong force of attractions.

Hence, plasma is compressible as compared to solids.

Thus, we can conclude that out of the given options, the statement compressibility of solids is lower than the compressibility of plasmas and gases is true.