Maxwellian velocity distribution

[samreen]

hey, I've just begun on elementary concepts in heat and thermodynamics. nd i was wondering...for the probabilistic maxwellian distribution of velocities in an ideal gas, as absolute temperature of the gas system tends to 0 K, the distribution plot will tend to the delta function, wnt it? can anyone please explain if this is what will happen, and if yes, what's the actual physical significance of this result? [please assume i dnt kno anything, and explain everything :) ]

 

[netheril96]

hey, I've just begun on elementary concepts in heat and thermodynamics. nd i was wondering...for the probabilistic maxwellian distribution of velocities in an ideal gas, as absolute temperature of the gas system tends to 0 K, the distribution plot will tend to the delta function, wnt it? can anyone please explain if this is what will happen, and if yes, what's the actual physical significance of this result? [please assume i dnt kno anything, and explain everything :) ]

As the temp approaches 0K,maxwellian distribution is no longer effective
You should use quantum statistics like Fermi-Dirac distribution or Bose-Einstein distribution at ultra-low temp

 

[samreen]

thanx...im cluless bt the other 2 tho

 

[samreen]

why does maxwells breakdown or whatever, for low T?

 

[netheril96]

why does maxwells breakdown or whatever, for low T?

As temp goes ultra-low,the quantum nature of the particles (atoms,molecules.ions,etc) becomes more significant,so the classical Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution,which neglects all quantum effects, no longer applies.

 

[netheril96]

Anyone who wants to know more about the behavior of gas at ultra-low level should post questions in thehttps://www.physicsforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=62"

 

[samreen]

the gas will condense, itl no longer be a gas. so maxwells distribution ought not to apply. I've got it partly.