Which of the following defines a characteristic of liquids when compared to gases?

Liquids compress less than gases is a defining characteristic of liquids when compared to gases. This distinction arises from the molecular arrangement and spacing in each state of matter. In liquids, molecules are closely packed together, which allows them to maintain a definite volume and shape to some degree. Because the molecules are already in close proximity, applying pressure to a liquid results in minimal changes in volume compared to gases, which have widely spaced molecules that can be compressed significantly with pressure.

Gases, on the other hand, occupy the entire volume of their container and can be easily compressed due to the large amount of space between their molecules. This fundamental difference is crucial in understanding fluid dynamics in HVAC systems where the behavior of refrigerants in both gaseous and liquid states plays a critical role in efficiency and effectiveness.