Why are solids incompressible ?

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Structure of Solids**:
- Solids are made up of atoms or molecules that are closely packed together in a fixed arrangement. This arrangement is known as a lattice structure.

2. **Intermolecular Forces**:
- In solids, the atoms or molecules are held together by strong intermolecular forces of attraction. These forces are significantly stronger than those found in liquids or gases.

3. **Rigidity of Atoms**:
- The atoms in a solid are rigid and cannot move freely. They can only vibrate around their fixed positions. This rigidity contributes to the incompressibility of solids.

4. **Effect of Temperature**:
- When the temperature of a solid increases, the atoms vibrate more vigorously. However, they do not move out of their fixed positions. This means that even with increased energy, the overall structure remains intact.

5. **High Density**:
- Solids have a high density because the atoms are packed closely together. This high density also contributes to their incompressibility, as there is little space between the atoms to compress further.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Due to the strong intermolecular forces, rigid atomic structure, and high density, solids are considered incompressible. They do not change volume significantly under pressure.