Maxwell's velocity distribution

1. Jun 7, 2007

Ben Hom Chen

I have some problem in the paragragh.
I save it as Word format.The link is below.
Thanks!

Last edited by a moderator: Apr 22, 2017
2. Jun 7, 2007

Mentz114

I downloaded the file, which is a zip containing some xml docs I will not open. You won't get any help unless you show your problem and your work.

3. Jun 11, 2007

Ben Hom Chen

file format as "zipped file",so some error would happen.

When saving file,we must change the saving format to"All files",then it can
be opened without error.

I hope my words can be understood><

Thx><

Last edited by a moderator: Apr 22, 2017
4. Jun 11, 2007

Mentz114

Sorry, Ben, nothing has changed. I can't read the docx format. Try saving your document as PDF or .doc.

5. Jun 12, 2007

Ben Hom Chen

6. Jun 12, 2007

Mentz114

OK, I can see the pictures. THis is the standard undergraduate derivation of the MB distribution.

1. $$\vec{v}^2 = v_x^2 + v_y^2 + v_z^2$$

2. Hmm. Maybe this should be "$$f(\vec{v}^2)$$ is the probabilty of finding a particle with squared velocity $$\vec{v}^2$$".

3. The function $$e^{ax}$$ is not normalizable unless a < 0. By convention one gives 'a' a positive value and writes the equation with a negative sign.

7. Jun 13, 2007

Ben Hom Chen

At least I understand the third answer^^"

8. Jun 13, 2007

Mentz114

I never liked that derivation, which I have in the Pauli lectures in it's full clunkiness. In fact it's possible to derive the MB distribution using a much simpler heuristic argument and I'll be happy to dig it out and post it if you like.

9. Jun 14, 2007

Ben Hom Chen

Thank You,I want to check it out.

If it won't take you much time.

10. Jun 15, 2007

Mentz114

Well, I found it but it's not simpler and relies on the central-limit theorem so maybe the standard derivation is the best after all.