compressed air

compressed air and decompressed airThis schematic of a piston and cylinder pump illustrates the relationship between gas molecules and pressure. When the piston is pushed into the cylinder, the air inside the cylinder becomes compressed. In this state, the gas molecules are close together and pressure within the cylinder is increased. When the plunger is pulled, the air inside the cylinder becomes decompressed. Thus, the gas molecules are farther apart than in the compressed state, and pressure within the piston chamber is reduced.

compressed air, air reduced in volume and held under pressure. Force from compressed air is used to operate numerous tools and instruments, including rock drills, train brake systems, riveters, forging presses, paint sprayers, and atomizers. Bellows have been used since the Early Bronze age to provide air for smelting and forging. The 20th century witnessed a large increase in the use of compressed-air devices. The introduction of jet engines for military and passenger aircraft stimulated the use and improvement of centrifugal and axial-flow compressors. Digital-logic pneumatic-control components (developed in the 1960s) can be used in power and control systems (see pneumatic device).

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.
Citation Information
Article Title: compressed air
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 27 September 2013
Access Date: February 22, 2025