Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Compressibility is the measure of how much a given volume of matter decreases when placed under pressure. This physical property is determined by the magnitude of intermolecular spaces (voids) between the constituent particles of the substance.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Solids consist of particles that are closely packed in a rigid structure with very strong intermolecular forces of attraction. Due to the negligible intermolecular space, solids are virtually incompressible.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Liquids possess particles that are less tightly packed than in solids but still maintain significant proximity. Consequently, while liquids are slightly more compressible than solids, they are significantly less compressible than gases.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Gases are characterized by large intermolecular spaces and very weak intermolecular forces. This allows the particles to be pushed closer together easily upon the application of pressure, making gases highly compressible. This property is practically applied in the storage of gases like LPG and CNG.
Key Takeaway: The compressibility of matter is inversely proportional to the packing efficiency of its particles. The order of compressibility is Gas > Liquid > Solid.