Question

A gas can be compressed into a smaller volume but not a solid.

Answer 1

becoz in solids molecules are tightly packed so, they can't compress. but in gases molecules are free to move they can easily compress into smaller volume.

Answer 2

Because in gases, there is a high inter molecular space and when it is compressed the space is taken up by the particles and it is easily compressed. Whereas solids do not have any intermolecular space and cannot be compressed easily...
Hope it helps... Thank u