statistical mechanics

Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution

Visualize the Maxwell-Boltzmann speed distribution of gas molecules in 3D. Adjust temperature and molar mass to see the distribution shift — compare most probable, mean, and RMS speeds.

Maxwell Dist.

A-Level

Gas molecules have a distribution of speeds given by the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. The distribution depends on temperature and molecular mass. Higher temperature broadens the distribution and shifts it to higher speeds.

Temperature300K

Molar Mass28g/mol

📐 Formulas

v_{\text{rms}} = \sqrt{\frac{3RT}{M}}Root-mean-square speed

v_p = \sqrt{\frac{2RT}{M}}Most probable speed

\bar{v} = \sqrt{\frac{8RT}{\pi M}}Average speed

📋 Syllabus

AQA3.6.2

EdexcelTopic 9