In a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution function of molecular speeds,the rms speed is
A)always greater than the mean speed.
B)always less than the mean speed.
C)equal to the mean speed.
D)equal to the most probable speed.
E)independent of the temperature.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rms (root mean square) speed is always greater than the mean speed in a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution due to the way it is calculated, taking into account the square of velocities, which emphasizes higher speeds more than lower speeds.

In a Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution Function of Molecular Speeds,the Rms Speed