In the context of pneumatics, what does compressibility refer to?

Compressibility in the context of pneumatics specifically pertains to how gases respond to changes in pressure. When a gas is subjected to increased pressure, its volume decreases. This characteristic is fundamental to the operation of pneumatic systems, as it allows engineers to utilize the compressible nature of gases for various applications, such as actuating devices.

The ability of a gas to decrease in volume under pressure is a key feature that distinguishes gases from liquids and solids, which exhibit much lower compressibility. In pneumatic systems, this property is exploited to create forces, transmit energy, and perform work efficiently. Understanding this principle enables better design and functionality of pneumatic systems used in machinery and automation.