Correct Response: A. As a gas is compressed, the pressure is increased and the molecules move closer together. This happens because the same number of molecules is forced to occupy a space of decreased volume. B is incorrect because electrostatic repulsion between molecules will increase as the distance between the molecules is decreased. The strength of intermolecular interactions decreases with the distance between molecules. C is incorrect because the size of the atoms in the molecules is not affected by the distance between the molecules. D is incorrect because the lengths of the bonds within the molecules are a function of the type of bond and the specific elements involved rather than the pressure of the gas in its container (i.e., the degree of compression).
