Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution

Gives the probability density of the speeds v of molecules in an ideal gas at thermodynamic equilibrium with absolute temperature T. It is used to describe how molecular speeds are spread out in a gas of particles with mass m.

f(v) = 4\pi \left(\frac{m}{2\pi k T}\right)^{3/2} v^2 e^{-\frac{m v^2}{2 k T}}

What the symbols mean

probability density of molecular speed v (per unit speed)
molecular speed, \mathrm{m/s}
mass of a single molecule, \mathrm{kg}
Boltzmann constant, \mathrm{J/K}
absolute temperature, \mathrm{K}

About this formula

  • FieldPhysics
  • TopicStatistical mechanics
  • LevelUniversity
  • Also calledMaxwell distribution, speed distribution of ideal gas, Maxwell-Boltzmann speed distribution, molecular speed distribution, probability density of molecular speeds, Maxwell speed distribution
  • SourceWikidata Q634965

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