How Do Two Particles Following Maxwell Velocity Distribution Combine?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the derivation of the combined velocity distribution of two particles following the Maxwell velocity distribution. The combined distribution is expressed as φ(v)dv=4πv²(μv/2πkT)^{3/2}e^{-μv²/2kT}dv, where μ represents the reduced mass and v is defined as v2-v1. The participants explore the integral transformation required to derive this combined distribution, specifically addressing the integration limits and the substitution of variables. Key references include academic papers that provide foundational insights into the derivation process.

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  • Understanding of Maxwell velocity distribution
  • Familiarity with concepts of reduced mass in physics
  • Knowledge of integral calculus, particularly double integrals
  • Basic thermodynamics, specifically the role of temperature (T) and Boltzmann constant (k)
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  • Study the derivation of the Maxwell velocity distribution in detail
  • Learn about the concept of reduced mass and its applications in particle physics
  • Explore advanced integral calculus techniques, focusing on variable substitutions
  • Review thermodynamic principles related to kinetic theory and particle interactions
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E92M3
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If I have two particles that follows the maxwell velocity distribution:
\phi(v_i)dv_i=4 \pi v_i^2 \left ( \frac{m_iv_i}{2\pi kT} \right ) ^{3/2}e^{\frac{-m_iv_i^2}{2kT}}dv_i
Why is their combined distribution:
\phi(v)dv=4 \pi v^2 \left ( \frac{\mu v}{2\pi kT} \right ) ^{3/2}e^{\frac{-\mu v^2}{2kT}}dv
where mu is the reduced mass and v=v2-v1
I have these questions because I don't quite follow these derivations.
http://dissertations.ub.rug.nl/FILES/faculties/science/2007/a.matic/c2.pdf
http://www.astro.psu.edu/users/rbc/a534/lec11.pdf
Namely, I not sure why the following holds:
\int_0^\infty \int_0^\infty \phi(v_1) \phi(v_2) v_1 v_2 \sigma dv_1 dv_2 = 4\pi \left ( \frac{\mu v}{2\pi kT} \right ) ^{3/2} \int_0^\infty v^3 \sigma e^{\frac{-\mu v^2}{2kT}}dv
 
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You have v=v1-v2. Let u=v1+v2. The new integration is straightforward as long as the integral limits are -∞ to ∞. You then need |v1v2| instead of v1v2 in the integrand. The u integration should leave you with what you want.
 

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