Maxwell’s Velocity Distribution Curve and Temperature – Rankers Physics

Kinetic Theory of Gases: Practice Problem & Solution

Assertion (A): On increasing the temperature, the height of the peak of the Maxwell's velocity distribution curve increases. Reason (R): The height of the peak of the Maxwell's velocity distribution curve represents most probable speed.  
Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)
Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)
(A) is true but (R) is false
Both (A) and (R) are false

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Kinetic Theory of Gases. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Assertion (A) is false. As temperature increases, the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution curve broadens, and its peak height *decreases*, shifting to higher speeds. Reason (R) is false. The *x-coordinate* (speed value) of the peak represents the most probable speed; the *height* of the peak represents the fraction of molecules possessing that speed, not the speed value itself. Since both A and R are false, option (4) is correct.

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