What does a lower specific volume indicate about a gas?

• A. It occupies more space for a given mass
• B. It has a higher density
• C. It is heavier than liquids
• D. It has a higher latent heat

Answer: (B)

A lower specific volume signifies that, for a given mass, the gas occupies less space, which directly correlates to a higher density. Specific volume is defined as the volume occupied by a unit mass of a substance, and when this value decreases, it indicates that more mass is packed into a smaller volume. Hence, the density, which is mass per unit volume, increases.

Understanding this concept is vital in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, where the behavior of gases under various pressures and temperatures influences efficiency and performance. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the implications of lower specific volume. For example, a higher specific volume would be associated with a gas taking up more space, not less, and density is inherently tied to the relationship between mass and volume. The notions of weight in comparison with liquids and latent heat do not directly relate to specific volume in this context.