# Explain why gases can be compressed much more easily than liquids.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 1.1 Solids, liquids and gases · Explain · 4 marks

> Syringes are used in medicine to transfer fluids. A syringe filled with air can be compressed by pushing the plunger, but a syringe filled with water cannot be compressed in the same way.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In a gas, particles are far apart / large spaces between particles
2. These spaces can be reduced when pressure is applied / particles can be pushed closer together
3. In a liquid, particles are already close together / touching / very little space between particles
4. There is no space to reduce in a liquid, so it cannot be compressed

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620)](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-gases-can-be-compressed-a51f5928) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.