Chapter 9, Problem 46P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The fraction of Ar atoms and Ne atoms having speed between 600 and 1500 m/s needs to be determined. A graph of the two Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution needs to be drawn in the same plot.

Concept Introduction:

The maxwell-Boltzmann distribution curve shows the distribution of speed for gas at a given temperature.

The peak of the curve indicates the most probable speed because a large number of molecules have that speed. The distribution also depends on the molar mass, the heavier molecules of a gas move slower than the molecules with lighter weight. Heavier molecules thus have a smaller distribution of speed than the lighter molecules.