Maxwell/Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution

[PsiPhi]

G'day,

I was just wondering what the difference was between a Maxwell(M) distribution and a Maxwell-Boltzmann(MB) distribution.

All I can gather at the moment is that both distributions have a similar form. A M distribution is for distinguishable particles, MB distribution is for a dilute gas and indistinguishable particles (fermions or bosons). I think that's all of it.

Any thoughts from forum members if I am missing anything crucial in there?

Thanks,

Kelvin.

 

[Astronuc]

See these discussions -

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/kinetic/kintem.html#c3

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/kinetic/maxspe.html#c1


Maxwell and Maxwell-Boltzmann seem to be used interchangeably by some.

Ostensibly, the Maxwell distribution refers the velocity (v) distribution, while M-B refers to energy (which is related to v²).