For the Maxwell distribution of molecular speeds of an ideal gas, which statement is correct when the temperature is raised at constant amount of gas?

AThe most probable speed decreases and the peak becomes taller
BThe most probable speed increases, the peak becomes lower and the curve broadens
CThe area under the curve increases
DThe fraction of molecules with the most probable speed increases

Answer: B

u_{mp} = 2 RT / M

increases with

T

, so the peak shifts to higher speed. The total area (fraction of all molecules) is fixed at 1, so the curve must flatten and broaden, and the fraction at the most probable speed falls.

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