Question icon
Grade 12Physical Chemistry

In maxwells distribution of molecular speeds curve, how do i compare 2 gases with different molecular masses at same temperature? An example is as follows:-
At same temperature and lower speed, fraction of molecules of so2 will be greater than o2?

Profile image of agam  goel
11 Years agoGrade 12
Answers icon

1 Answer

Profile image of Sunil Kumar FP
11 Years ago
Maxwell distribution of molecular speed curve is based on the distribution of speed at different temperature.As th temperature rises the fraction of molecule having the most probable velocity decrease.
The most probable velocity is given by
p(c)dc=dN/N=4pi(M/2piRT)^3/2c^2e(-M/2RT)dc
thus as can be seen the fraction depends on the M the molar mass
now ,molar mass of SO2>molar mass of O2
Thus using the above formula you can compare two gases at same temperature and speed.