Science Common Sense

1511 - What are the basic properties of gases?

There are four basic properties of gases:

1. Shape: Gases have no shape and can fill any container they are in.
2. Volume: Gases can be compressed or expanded and will change their volume to fill a container.
3. Weight: Even though gases are invisible, they still have weight.
4. Pressure: Gases can exert pressure on the container they are in and the items around them.

Think of these properties like the air in a balloon: the air shape follows the shape of the balloon (shape), it fills the whole balloon (volume), the balloon is still heavier than an empty one (weight), and if you squeeze it, the air pushes back on your hands (pressure).