# Explain why a gas can be compressed into a much smaller volume, but a solid cannot be compressed.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 1.1 States of matter · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In a gas, particles are relatively spread out / far apart (with large spaces between them)
2. These spaces can be reduced / particles can be pushed closer together, so the gas can be compressed
3. In a solid, particles are closely packed / touching / held in fixed positions with no significant spaces between them
4. There are no spaces to reduce in a solid, so it cannot be compressed

## Key terms

- [gas](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/gas)
- [solid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/solid)
- [compressed](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/compressed)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](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-28877eed) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.