What does the term "compression" refer to in the context of gas?

In the context of gas, "compression" refers specifically to the act of making a given volume of gas smaller. When gas is compressed, the molecules are forced closer together, resulting in a decrease in volume while the number of molecules remains constant. This is in line with the principles of gas behavior outlined by the ideal gas law, where pressure, volume, and temperature are interrelated.

Compression can lead to an increase in pressure if the temperature remains constant, as laid out in Boyle's Law. This fundamental concept is crucial in various applications, from automotive engines to gas storage systems. Understanding that compression is about reducing volume helps clarify the behavior of gases under different conditions and is vital in fields such as aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and engineering.