Which term describes the mass and volume relationship in gases?

The relationship between mass and volume in gases is best described by the term density. Density is defined as the mass of a substance divided by its volume (density = mass/volume). In the context of gases, this relationship is important because it helps to determine how much mass is present in a given volume of gas.

In gases, density can vary significantly based on the pressure and temperature conditions. As pressure increases or temperature decreases, the density of a gas typically increases because the gas particles are forced closer together, thus reducing volume for a given mass. Conversely, at lower pressures and higher temperatures, gases can expand, leading to a decrease in density.

Understanding density is crucial in various applications, including buoyancy, gas behavior under different conditions, and in calculations related to gas laws such as Boyle's Law and Charles's Law, which describe how gases behave in terms of pressure, volume, and temperature.

The other terms do not describe the specific mass and volume relationship in gases:

• Porosity refers to the volume of pores or voids in a material, which is relevant in solids.

• Viscosity measures a fluid's resistance to flow and does not directly relate to the mass-volume relationship.

• Compressibility describes how much a substance can decrease