3.1 solids, Liquids, and Gases
3.2 the Gas Laws
3.3 Phase changes
How easy is it to compress Air and Water?
Procedure
Insert a plunger into a syringe that is sealed at the narrow end. Push the plunger into the syringe as far as you can. Use the marks on the side of the syringe to read the volume of the air inside the syringe. Record this volume.
Remove the plunger. Fill the syringe with water by holding it under water in a large plastic container of water. CAUTION Wipe up any spilled water right away to avoid slips and falls.
While holding the syringe over the container, repeat Step 1. Record the volume of the water.
Think About it
comparing and contrasting Which was harder to compress, the air or the water? (To compress means to squeeze into a smaller volume.)
Inferring Based on your answer to Question 1, in which material are the particles closer together, in air or in water? Explain your answer.