Kinetic Molecular Theory

AP Chemistry· difficulty 2/5

Two Maxwell-Boltzmann speed distributions are drawn for the same gas at temperatures T1 and T2.

Speed f(v) T1 (low) T2 (high)

What happens to the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution as T increases from T1 to T2?

  • A

    Peak shifts to higher speed and curve broadens

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  • B

    Peak shifts to lower speed

  • C

    No change in distribution

  • D

    Curve narrows and peaks higher

Explanation

Higher T raises average kinetic energy; the most probable speed increases, the peak lowers, and the distribution broadens (area is conserved).

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