Introduction

The previous web pages explained the relationship between the shape of the distribution curve and the variable of temperature. To summarise:

 
  • the higher the temperature the higher the average kinetic energy and the broader the range of energies

  • the most probable kinetic energy is at the maxiumum of the curve

  • the average kinetic energy is slightly to the right of the maximum. The average kinetic energy is slightly greater than the most probable kinetic energy.
 

You can compare Maxwell-Boltzman energy distribution curves for a variety of gases at 1000 K and 2000 K using the applet below.

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You will have seen for all the examples in the applet that:

 
  • the the lower temperature gives a narrower range of speeds and a lower most probable speed (at the peak of the curve)