Maxwell–Boltzmann Distribution
The statistical distribution describing how molecular speeds are spread within a gas at a given temperature.
Formula / equation
f(v) ∝ v² e^(−mv² / 2kT)
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
The curve rises from zero, peaks at the most probable speed and tails off asymmetrically to high speeds. Raising the temperature flattens and broadens it, shifting the peak right. The area beyond the activation energy — the high-speed tail — is what determines reaction rate.
Examples in the real world
A 10 °C rise near room temperature roughly doubles the fraction of molecules above a typical activation energy.