# Maxwell speed distribution

by Je m'appelle
Tags: distribution, maxwell, speed
 P: 109 1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data Show that the number $$N(0,v)$$, of molecules of an ideal gas with speeds between 0 and v is given by $$N(0,v) = N \left[ erf(\xi) - \frac{2}{\sqrt{\pi}} \xi e^{-\xi^2} \right]$$ Where, $$erf(\xi) = \frac{2}{\sqrt{\pi}} \int_{0}^{\xi} e^{-x^2} dx$$ And, $$\xi^2 = \left(\frac{mv^2}{2kT} \right)$$ 2. Relevant equations $$\frac{dN_v}{N} = \sqrt{\frac{2}{\pi}} \left( \frac{m}{kT}\right)^{\frac{3}{2}} v^2 e^{\frac{-mv^2}{2kT}} \ dv$$ 3. The attempt at a solution Alright, so I managed to get to the following $$\frac{dN_v}{N} = \frac{4}{\sqrt{\pi}} x^2 e^{-x^2} dx$$ Where, $$\alpha = \frac{m}{2kT}, \ x = \sqrt{\alpha}v$$ =========================\\=========================== So far so good, but now when checking the solution on the textbook it claims the following algebraic manipulation which I can't follow $$\frac{2N}{\sqrt{\pi}}\int_{0}^{\xi} x (2xe^{-x^2} dx) = \frac{2N}{\sqrt{\pi}} x e^{-x^2} |_{\xi}^{0} \ + \ N \frac{2}{\sqrt{\pi}} \int_{0}^{\xi} e^{-x^2} dx$$ What was done on the integral above, how can you "split" it like that?
 P: 61 Integration by parts
 Sci Advisor HW Helper Thanks P: 25,244 It's integration by parts. udv=d(uv)-vdu with u=x and dv=(2x)e^(-x^2)dx.
P: 109
Maxwell speed distribution

 Quote by L-x Integration by parts
But of course! Agh, how didn't I see that, I feel very stupid right now.

Thanks for the highlight, L-x!
 P: 61 No worries. It's not immidiately obvious, although the integral is written in a way which gives you a clue: x(2x) instead of 2x^2
 Sci Advisor HW Helper Thanks P: 25,244 Don't double post, Je m'appelle. http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=492505

 Related Discussions Advanced Physics Homework 2 Introductory Physics Homework 8 Advanced Physics Homework 4 Advanced Physics Homework 5