The Boltzmann equation relates the relative number of particles found at a given

Question

The Boltzmann equation relates the relative number of particles found at a given energy, as a function of temperature. Which of the following statements is most true.

a) At low temperatures we are more likely to find some particles with a high kinetic energy

b) We are equally likely to find particles at high kinetic energy regardless of temperature

c) We are always more likely to find particles with low kinetic energy than with high kinetic energy

a) At low temperatures we are more likely to find some particles with a high kinetic energy

b) We are equally likely to find particles at high kinetic energy regardless of temperature

c) We are always more likely to find particles with low kinetic energy than with high kinetic energy

Explanation / Answer

As kinetic energy increases directly with temperature, at low temperatures we are not more likely to find some particles with a high kinetic energy. Also, we are not equally likely to find particles at high kinetic energy regardless of temperature because of the same reason. But as evident from the distribution curve, majority of particles  are in low kinetic energy state; only minority of the particles are in high kinetic energy state. So, c) We are always more likely to find particles with low kinetic energy than with high kinetic energy is most true.

please upvote to appreciate

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.