Calculating the average speed of molecules in a gas

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the average speed of gas molecules using the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution function. The integral provided, [between infinity and 0] v3e-av2dv = 1/2a2, is essential for deriving the average speed (vav) of particles in a gas. Participants seek guidance on applying the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution to determine the number of particles with specific speeds and how to compute the total speed of all particles. The average speed is defined as the total speed of all particles divided by the number of particles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution
  • Familiarity with integral calculus
  • Knowledge of statistical mechanics
  • Basic concepts of particle dynamics in gases
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution function
  • Learn how to perform integrals involving exponential functions
  • Explore statistical mechanics principles related to gas behavior
  • Investigate methods for calculating average values in statistical distributions
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Students in physics or chemistry, educators teaching thermodynamics, and researchers interested in molecular dynamics and statistical mechanics.

matt_crouch
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Homework Statement



Given that the integral [between infinity and 0] v3e-av2dv = 1/2a2

calculate the average speed vav of molecules in the gas using the maxwell-boltzmann distribution function

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



i don't really know what to do some guidance please =]
 
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Let's say I have N particles in a box and I want to find out how many particles have speeds between v and v+dv. How do you use the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution to do this? How do I find the sum of the speeds of every particle?

Average speed is calculated by adding every particle's speed together and dividing the result by the number of particles.
 

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