Maxwell - Boltzman distribution

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The discussion centers on the creation of a spreadsheet to plot the 3D speed distribution from the Maxwell-Boltzmann (MB) probability function, which aligns with published graphs. The user attempted to integrate the distribution but initially obtained an area of around 5 or 6 instead of the expected 1, indicating a misunderstanding of the area under the probability curve. After suggestions from others, it was determined that normalization was not properly applied in the calculations. Following corrections, the area under the curve was found to be approximately 0.98 through numerical integration, which is deemed acceptable. The issue was resolved, confirming the importance of proper normalization in probability distributions.
mattT1227
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I made a spreadsheet to plot the 3d speed distribution from the MB probability function. It matches the peak and fall-off of published graphs. I then tried to integrate it by summing over interval widths times probability. I thought the area should be 1. My result is around 5 or 6. I've tried really small intervals, around 0.25 m/s, that didn't help. Must be I don't understand what the area under the probability curve represents.
 
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Thanks all. Problem solved. Area under curve is 0.98 by numerical integration, close enough.
 

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