# Explain why a gas can be compressed into a much smaller volume but a liquid cannot be compressed in the same way.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 1.1 States of matter · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In a gas, the particles are far apart / there are large spaces between particles
2. So when a gas is compressed, the particles are pushed closer together / the spaces between particles are reduced
3. In a liquid, the particles are already close together / touching / very little space between particles
4. So there are no spaces to reduce / the particles cannot be pushed any closer together, meaning the liquid cannot be compressed

## Key terms

- [compress](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/compress)
- [gas](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/gas)
- [liquid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/liquid)
- [volume](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/volume)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-gas-can-be-1b25aeeb) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.