The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The physical properties of the gaseous state are characterized by weak intermolecular forces and large intermolecular spaces. A defining property of gases is high compressibility, which allows a large mass of gas to be contained within a relatively small volume when subjected to high pressure.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) utilize the high compressibility of gases. By applying pressure, the large intermolecular spaces in the gas are reduced, allowing a significant volume of gas to be compressed into cylinders for storage and transport.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Gases possess high compressibility, not low compressibility. This property enables large volumes of gas to be compressed into small cylinders, making them easily transportable. The statement incorrectly suggests that only small volumes can be stored.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Compressing a gas reduces the distance between the particles (intermolecular space), but it does not alter the size of the individual particles (atoms or molecules). The particle size remains constant regardless of the pressure applied.
Key Takeaway
High compressibility is a fundamental property of gases due to large intermolecular spaces. This property is practically applied in the storage and transport of fuels like LPG and CNG, where large volumes of gas are compressed into small containers without changing the size of the constituent particles.