Is a Maxwell Velocity Distribution Possible in a Newtonian Gravitational Field?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that it is indeed possible to derive a Maxwell velocity distribution for particles in a Newtonian gravitational field. This can be achieved by expressing the Maxwell distribution as a function of energy, specifically using the equation E=mv²/2 + mgz, where m is mass, g is gravitational acceleration, and z is height above the ground. The approach can be adapted for a 1/r² gravitational field, although the energy expression becomes more complex. Users should be aware of potential glitches in the derivation process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maxwell velocity distribution
  • Familiarity with Newtonian gravitational fields
  • Knowledge of energy equations in physics
  • Basic calculus for function manipulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of Maxwell velocity distribution in gravitational fields
  • Study energy equations, specifically E=mv²/2 + mgz
  • Explore variations of gravitational fields, particularly 1/r² fields
  • Investigate potential glitches in theoretical physics derivations
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Physicists, students of classical mechanics, and researchers interested in statistical mechanics and gravitational effects on particle distributions.

Gavroy
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hi,

I asked myself, whether it would be possible, to derive something like a maxwell velocity distribution for particles that are placed in a Newtonian gravitational field?

Does anybody know whether this is generally possible?
 
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Yes - Express the Maxwell distribution as a distribution of energies, and then substitute E=mv^2/2+mgz and express it as a function of velocity and height z above the ground. Same idea if you want to do it in a 1/r^2 gravitational field, except the energy is more complicated. I've never done it, so you might run into some gliches.
 

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