[ELI5] Can one physically compress water, like with a cyclinder of water with a hydraulic press on the top, completely water tight, pressing down on it, and what would happen to the water?

Question

[ELI5] Can one physically compress water, like with a cyclinder of water with a hydraulic press on the top, completely water tight, pressing down on it, and what would happen to the water?

In: 1967

Answer 1

Liquids are generally considered incompressible, so in your scenario you would not be able to compress the water, you would simply reach the point at which the cylinder holding the water would burst. That said different liquids do compress slightly, but not a noticeable amount. This is why hydraulic systems are so efficient and effective, the oil used cannot be compressed.