Question

Can you explain me the MAXWELL-BOLTZMANN DISTRIBUTION OF MOLECULAR SPEED ?

Answer 1

As we know that molecules of a gas are constantly moving. So all the molecules in a sample of  a gas do not have same speeds. But from probability considerations, it has become possible to work out the distribution of molecules between different speeds. This distribution is referred to as Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. 

Distribution of speeds remains constant at a particular temperature although individual speeds may change. Maxwell plotted the fraction of molecules having different speeds against the speeds at particular temperature. The curve so obtained is called Maxwell's distribution curve.


Important features of Maxwell's distribution curve can be summed up as follow:

1. The fraction of molecules with very low or very high velocity is very small.

2. The fraction of molecules possessing higher and higher speeds goes on increasing till it reaches the peak and thereafter it starts decreasing.

3. The maximum fraction of molecules possesses a velocity corresponding to the peak in curve. This speed corresponding to the peak in curve is referred to as most probable speed.

4. The area under the curve gives the total number of gas molecules.

Answer 2

Explanation:

27.3: The Distribution of Molecular Speeds Is Given by the Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution. In the context of the Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases, a gas contains a large number of particles in rapid motions. Each particle has a different speed, and each collision between particles changes the speeds of the particles.