What does compression mean in the context of physical science?

In the context of physical science, compression refers to the process of making something more compact or smaller, specifically by applying a force that reduces its volume. This concept is particularly important in various areas of physics and engineering, including mechanics and thermodynamics. For example, when gas is compressed in a cylinder, the molecules are forced closer together, leading to an increase in pressure.

Understanding compression is crucial in applications like air compression in engines, where the air-fuel mixture is compressed to facilitate combustion. The phenomenon demonstrates how temperature, pressure, and volume are related in gases, often described by the ideal gas law. Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the core definition of compression in physical science as it pertains to making matter more compact.