Fig 3D.6 & 3D.7 - Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution

The distribution of molecular speeds depends on temperature and the molar mass of the molecules. Note that the most probable speed (corresponding to the peak of the distribution) increases with temperature and with decreasing molar mass and, simultaneously, the distribution becomes broader. The formula is

Where ν is the speed (m·s^-1), M is the molar mass (g·mol^-1), T is the temperature (kelvin), and R is the gas constant.

To graph a distribution enter M and T and click New Plot. Up to 5 plots can be displayed at one time. The Clear button will remove all plots. To see the parameters for each plot click the Legend button. The Redraw button will refresh the graph. This is useful when the function domain (i.e., ν ) has been changed. To see the value of each plot at a given point, move your cursor to the desired location then click.